metabolism

[ muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. Biology, Physiology. the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available. Compare anabolism, catabolism.
2. any basic process of organic functioning or operating:

   changes in the country's economic metabolism.

metabolism

/ ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk; mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etc See anabolism basal metabolism catabolism
2. the sum total of the chemical processes affecting a particular substance in the body

   iodine metabolism

   carbohydrate metabolism

metabolism

/ mĭ-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. The chemical processes by which cells produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life. As part of metabolism, organic compounds are broken down to provide heat and energy in the process called catabolism . Simpler molecules are also used to build more complex compounds like proteins for growth and repair of tissues as part of anabolism . Many metabolic processes are brought about by the action of enzymes. The overall speed at which an organism carries out its metabolic processes is termed its metabolic rate (or, when the organism is at rest, its basal metabolic rate). Birds, for example, have a high metabolic rate, since they are warm-blooded, and their usual method of locomotion, flight, requires large amounts of energy. Accordingly, birds usually need large amounts of high-quality, energy-rich foods such as seeds or meat, which they must eat frequently.
2. See more at cellular respiration

metabolism

1. The total of the chemical reactions that maintain the life of a living thing.

Notes

In humans, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food; persons with a high metabolism can eat more without gaining weight.

Derived Forms

• ˌmetaˈbolically, adverb
• metabolic, adjective

Other Words From

• hyper·me·tabo·lism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek metabol(ḗ) “change” (from meta- meta- + bolḗ “a throw”) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

C19: from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw

Example Sentences

Two scientists studying metabolism accidentally discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes—paving the way for the discovery of insulin.

From Slate

These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism.

From Los Angeles Times

“We don’t have any clearly identified risks of people using it if they don’t meet criteria,” said Dr. Alyssa Dominguez, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think by switching it up, you’re challenging the metabolism a little bit, and so using it more, maybe once a quarter, to get back on track,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

It also regulates metabolism, or the transformation of food into useful components that power and grow cells.

From Salon

Related Words

• body
• existence
• growth
• living
• man
• person
• soul
• survival
• woman