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metabolite
noun
me·tab·o·lite
mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt
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
Share [Findings] Humboldt penguins who nest in the open have more pollutant metabolites in their blood than do penguins who nest in guano-rich burrows.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The antioxidant is formed by a simple group of small molecules called metabolites, including manganese, phosphate and a small peptide, or molecule, of amino acids.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Hopson took her son to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin where cocaine metabolites were identified in the infant’s urine, according to authorities.
—Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
Dietary fiber enhances the gut microbiome’s production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which increase immune cells’ functions.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near metabolite
Cite this Entry
“Metabolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolite. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
metabolite
noun
me·tab·o·lite
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt
1
: a substance produced by metabolism
2
: a substance essential to a process of metabolism
Medical Definition
metabolite
noun
me·tab·o·lite
-ˌlīt
1
: a product of metabolism:
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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