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
These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism.
—
Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Researchers noted positive effects of all three doses of vitamin C for glucose metabolism and overall liver health, but the 1,000 mg per day dose appeared to be the most beneficial.16
9.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Part of the weight gain is due to aging and the slowing of metabolism and loss of muscle mass that comes with aging.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
So, expansionary policies that would quicken the economy’s metabolism and produce more inflation was exactly what the market craved then – but now?
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for metabolism 
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Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Researchers noted positive effects of all three doses of vitamin C for glucose metabolism and overall liver health, but the 1,000 mg per day dose appeared to be the most beneficial.16
9.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Part of the weight gain is due to aging and the slowing of metabolism and loss of muscle mass that comes with aging.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
So, expansionary policies that would quicken the economy’s metabolism and produce more inflation was exactly what the market craved then – but now?
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024
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 26 Nov. 2024.
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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