Main Entry: me·tab·o·lism

Pronunciation: \mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\

Function: noun

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>