metabolic

American  

[met-uh-bol-ik] / ˌmɛt əˈbɒl ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affected by metabolism.

2. undergoing metamorphosis.

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Usage

What does metabolic mean? Metabolic describes something that is related to or is affected by metabolism, as in Dr. Petrov discovered the patient’s illness had metabolic causes.Your metabolism is the sum of the physical and chemical processes in your body needed to sustain life by producing energy. In humans, metabolism involves a large number of different organs and tissues. For this reason, the word metabolic is frequently used in medicine, nutrition, and other health sciences to discuss the digestive system, circulatory system, and other bodily processes.Example: While studying the birds, the researchers conducted intense studies of the animals’ metabolic rate increases during prolonged flights.

Other Word Forms

• hypermetabolic adjective
• metabolically adverb

Etymology

Origin of metabolic

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

Example Sentences

Leigh syndrome is a rare metabolic condition that affects the brain and muscles, usually appearing in infancy or early childhood.

From Science Daily

It may also open the door to new treatments for sleep disorders linked to metabolic diseases like diabetes, as well as neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

From Science Daily

"By rapidly taking up and using fuel sources from our bodies and the food that we eat, brown fat acts like a metabolic sink that draws in nutrients and prevents them from being stored."

From Science Daily

For years, researchers have linked the gut microbiome to immune, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders.

From Science Daily

According to Guandalini, excess fat worsens inflammation in the body, triggering metabolic changes that accelerate muscle breakdown.

From Science Daily