First Known Use: 1878
Dictionary
metabolism
noun me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm\
biology : the chemical processes by which a plant or an animal uses food, water, etc., to grow and heal and to make energy
Full Definition of METABOLISM
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 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 2 —usually used in combination <holometabolism>
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Origin of METABOLISM
International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Other Biochemistry Terms
Rhymes with METABOLISM
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METABOLISM Defined for Kids
metabolism
noun me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm\
Definition of METABOLISM for Kids
: the processes by which a living organism uses food to obtain energy and build tissue and disposes of waste material
Medical Dictionary
metabolism
noun me·tab·o·lism \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\
Medical Definition of METABOLISM
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 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 2—usually used in combination <holometabolism>
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