metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm 
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
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for fighting infections, thyroid function, hormone metabolism, and cellular health.
—
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
How to prepare your body for your 40s Unsurprisingly, the key to getting your body ready for the 40s is to develop long-lasting health practices that boost gut health, metabolism, and general well-being.
—Hasina Jeelani, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a fullness hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar, appetite and metabolism.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Strenuous aerobic exercise or strength training for longer than 60 minutes, performing activities in very hot or humid climates, or the physical strain of an unwelcome illness can all rev the body’s metabolism and quickly deplete blood glucose.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
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Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
How to prepare your body for your 40s Unsurprisingly, the key to getting your body ready for the 40s is to develop long-lasting health practices that boost gut health, metabolism, and general well-being.
—Hasina Jeelani, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a fullness hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar, appetite and metabolism.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Strenuous aerobic exercise or strength training for longer than 60 minutes, performing activities in very hot or humid climates, or the physical strain of an unwelcome illness can all rev the body’s metabolism and quickly deplete blood glucose.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for metabolism
Dictionary Entries Near metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
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
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
Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
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
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