Main Entry: me·tab·o·lism

Pronunciation: \mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw — more at devil

Date: 1878

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>