metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce metabolize (audio)
metabolized; metabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism
metabolizable adjective

Examples of metabolize in a Sentence

Food is metabolized by the body.
Recent Examples on the Web It is further metabolized to become LDL.4 Lipoprotein (a): Composed of apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B-100, this lipoprotein is a type of LDL. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Despite years of study resulting in an understanding of how fat is metabolized in the body, identifying an effective way of inhibiting its absorption in the intestine has remained out of reach. New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024 No form in the natural world is unchanging, much less a biological form like us that can only exist by metabolizing energy. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Researchers were able to identify smokers and nonsmokers among hundreds of people who died in England between 1700 and 1855 by analyzing molecules left in their bones after their bodies metabolized tobacco. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metabolize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metabolize.' 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) or metabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of metabolize was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near metabolize

Cite this Entry

“Metabolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

metabolize

verb
me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce metabolize (audio)
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
metabolized also British metabolised; metabolizing also British metabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism
metabolizer noun
also British metaboliser

More from Merriam-Webster on metabolize

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