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
Despite this diversity of size, shape, lifestyle and metabolism, the sharks fit the two-thirds scaling rule almost perfectly.
—
Quanta Magazine, 27 Oct. 2025
For example, obesity induces chronic fat inflammation, which subsequently leads to systemic inflammation and perturbs the normal systemic metabolism.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Since lipid metabolism is involved, diet and cholesterol control might partly influence disease progression in APOE4 carriers, though this remains under investigation.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
For children, the concern is particularly great because their smaller bodies and metabolisms put them at a greater vulnerability for harms caused by exposure, according to the FDA.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
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Quanta Magazine, 27 Oct. 2025
For example, obesity induces chronic fat inflammation, which subsequently leads to systemic inflammation and perturbs the normal systemic metabolism.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Since lipid metabolism is involved, diet and cholesterol control might partly influence disease progression in APOE4 carriers, though this remains under investigation.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
For children, the concern is particularly great because their smaller bodies and metabolisms put them at a greater vulnerability for harms caused by exposure, according to the FDA.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 31 Oct. 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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