metabolism

noun me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm\

biology : the chemical processes by which a plant or an animal uses food, water, etc., to grow and heal and to make energy

Full Definition of 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>

: metamorphosis 2 —usually used in combination <holometabolism>

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Examples of METABOLISM

studying the metabolisms of various organisms

Origin of METABOLISM

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw — more at devil

First Known Use: 1878

Other Biochemistry Terms

bile, biodegradable, capsaicin, keratin

Rhymes with METABOLISM

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metabolism

noun me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\ (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of METABOLISM

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>

: metamorphosis 2—usually used in combination <holometabolism>