metabolic

[ met-uh-bol-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affected by metabolism.
2. undergoing metamorphosis.

Other Word Forms

• meta·boli·cal·ly adverb
• hyper·meta·bolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolic¹

First recorded in 1735–45; from Greek metabolikós “changeable,” from metabol(ḗ) “change” + -ikos -ic; metabolism

Example Sentences

A “body composition analyzer” breaks down fat and lean muscle mass limb by limb and gives stats about foundational muscle strength, base metabolic rate and hydration levels, among other metrics.

From Los Angeles Times

“The ability to focus, pay attention in school, dementia – we’re looking at a range of outcomes. It affects your metabolic system.”

From Salon

A new study published in Communications Biology shows that Zika causes metabolic changes in human skin that transform it from a barrier to a magnet for mosquitoes, furthering the scientific community’s understanding of the virus.

From Salon

Of the first seven hostages to be released, he says most had "some sort of shrapnel injuries" as well as suffering from malnutrition and metabolic problems.

From BBC

For example, lactose intolerance is a metabolic condition that happens when the body doesn't produce enough lactase.

From Salon

Quiz

Q: Because of their eager and enthusiastic nature, Aries are often described as …

• rhapsodic.
• tenacious.
• adaptable.

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