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
Walker, in fact, explains that one of the by-products of alcohol metabolism is a class of chemicals, known as aldehydes, that are especially prone to impede REM sleep.
—
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Iron also helps make some hormones, aids in physical growth, cell functioning, and muscle metabolism and supports healthy connective tissue.15
Supplemental iron is available in many forms.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Mechanisms such as acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism—can cause DNA damage, increasing cancer risk.
—Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
High-carb foods can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin, improve your cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, and aid in digestive health.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for metabolism 
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Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Iron also helps make some hormones, aids in physical growth, cell functioning, and muscle metabolism and supports healthy connective tissue.15
Supplemental iron is available in many forms.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Mechanisms such as acetaldehyde—a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism—can cause DNA damage, increasing cancer risk.
—Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
High-carb foods can help regulate your blood sugar and insulin, improve your cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, and aid in digestive health.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
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 23 Jan. 2025.
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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