metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz 

metabolized; metabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism

metabolizable

mə-ˌta-bə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

Examples of metabolize in a Sentence

Food is metabolized by the body.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fructose intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to absorb or metabolize fructose, a natural sugar in many fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Genetic factors play a role too, with certain variations affecting how our bodies metabolize (break down) alcohol. —Justin Stebbing, WIRED, 5 Oct. 2024

If the cancer metabolizes, however, that rate drops to 14%. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 8 Aug. 2024

Your body can generally metabolize about one standard drink per hour. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz 

metabolized; metabolizing

: to break down by metabolism

food is metabolized by the body

Medical Definition

metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize

variants also British metabolise

-ˌlīz 

metabolized also British metabolised; metabolizing also British metabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism

metabolizer noun

also British metaboliser

-ˌlī-zər