metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a product of metabolism
2
: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

Examples of metabolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keeping your muscles exposed to this tension also causes a build-up of various metabolites like lactate and creatine. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 Mar. 2025 This finding reinforces the idea that naturally occurring microbial metabolites contribute to maintaining emotional balance. — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 By concentrating salts, sugars and other secondary metabolites, these plants can lower the freezing point of the water inside their leaves. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025 Lower Atmospheric Pressure: Increases production of secondary metabolites like flavonoids and polyphenols, enhancing aroma and taste. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for metabolite

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of metabolite was in 1877

Rhymes for metabolite

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Browse Nearby Words

metabolite
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Cite this Entry

“Metabolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolite. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

metabolite

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a substance produced by metabolism
2
: a substance essential to a process of metabolism

Medical Definition

metabolite

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lite -ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a product of metabolism:
a
: a metabolic waste usually more or less toxic to the organism producing it : excretion
b
: a product of one metabolic process that is essential to another such process in the same organism
c
: a metabolic waste of one organism that is markedly toxic to another : antibiotic
2
: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

More from Merriam-Webster on metabolite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metabolite

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