metabolism

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lism mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce metabolism (audio)
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated (see assimilate entry 1 sense 1b)
Regular exercise can help to increase your metabolism.
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body
c
: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment
the metabolism of a lake
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
usually used in combination
holometabolism

Examples of metabolism in a Sentence

studying the metabolisms of various organisms
Recent Examples on the Web In addition to getting things (including your metabolism) moving, early morning workouts are something of a gateway to an overall healthier lifestyle. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2024 Biotin is integral to a dog's health and aids cell growth and metabolism. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2024 Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and opioids also all activate important signaling pathways that are central regulators of metabolism. Karla Kaun, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 Many bacterial niches are surely related to their metabolism and byproducts, but there are other angles to consider. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024 Perhaps most importantly, these factors all threaten brain metabolism, Perlmutter explained. Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Jan. 2024 The dynamic between resting metabolism and thyroid hormone is tricky and unsettled, though, Levy notes. Max G. Levy, WIRED, 6 Jan. 2024 Once the body goes into starvation mode, its metabolism slows down, increasing its cravings for food. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024 Methods should also be adjusted for species like bass and catfish, whose metabolisms slow down in the winter. Jordan Rodriguez, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metabolism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) + -ism, after French métabolisme or German Metabolismus

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of metabolism was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near metabolism

Cite this Entry

“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metabolism

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lism mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce metabolism (audio)
1
: the processes essential for life by which the complex substances in the cells of living things are built up or broken down
2
: the processes by which a particular substance (as iodine) is handled in the living body

Medical Definition

metabolism

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lism mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce metabolism (audio)
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
methods of determining body and tissue metabolism Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
see anabolism, catabolism
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled (as by assimilation and incorporation or by detoxification and excretion) in the living body
the metabolism of iodine in the thyroid
2
: metamorphosis sense 2
usually used in combination
holometabolism

More from Merriam-Webster on metabolism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!