basal metabolism

noun

: the turnover of energy in a fasting and resting organism using energy solely to maintain vital cellular activity, respiration, and circulation as measured by the basal metabolic rate

Examples of basal metabolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Ring’s Activity screen shows steps (very close to what Fitbit reported), calories from activities and basal metabolism calories, which are also close to what Fitbit estimated for me. Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2025 The relationship between basal metabolism and weight is complicated, however, Pontzer says. Emily Willingham, Scientific American, 14 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basal metabolism was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Basal metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basal%20metabolism. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

basal metabolism

noun
: the turnover of energy in a fasting and resting organism using energy solely to maintain vital cellular activity, respiration, and circulation as measured by the basal metabolic rate
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