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. See catabolism, basal metabolism, anabolism
   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

• metabolic, adjective
• ˌmetaˈbolically, adverb

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

Extended time sitting and not moving around leads to changes in the body’s metabolism.

From Science News For Students

It shows that energy metabolism is probably more flexible than previously appreciated.

From Quanta Magazine

Some of the new work’s estimates of the geographic distribution of aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms, for instance, don’t entirely align with previous findings, he says.

From Quanta Magazine

Those looking to understand the fundamental purpose of sleep rarely seek answers in metabolism or other chemical processes.

From Quanta Magazine

Their findings dovetail with a stream of previous reports that have linked oxidation and insufficient sleep, in particular those of Everson, who grew interested in metabolism while in Rechtschaffen’s lab.

From Quanta Magazine

And, according to some research, higher insulin levels have been shown to suppress fat metabolism by up to 22 percent.

From The Daily Beast

Now, sure, our metabolism slows as we grow older, but you can keep the weight off by eating right.

From The Daily Beast

Cool OffIn addition to freshening up your face and body, showers can help stimulate the circulatory system and metabolism.

From The Daily Beast

Codeine should not have been prescribed for these patients because its metabolism in children varies widely from person to person.

From The Daily Beast

Because of the wide variability in codeine metabolism, its use as a cough suppressant is not recommended.

From The Daily Beast

It is the principal waste-product of metabolism, and constitutes about one-half of all the solids excreted—about 30 gm.

From Project Gutenberg

Other factors being equal, the amount of urea indicates the activity of metabolism.

From Project Gutenberg

In disease, the amount of solids depends mainly upon the activity of metabolism and the ability of the kidneys to excrete.

From Project Gutenberg

Leading physiologists quite generally agree that phosphorus in the form of glycerophosphates influences metabolism very little.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no proof that the hypophosphites enter into general metabolism or affect disease processes in any way.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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