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
All with the same goal–restoring balance across body, mind, and metabolism.
—
Matt Emma, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Inside the human body, peptides trigger hormones needed for growth, metabolism and healing.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The gut microbiome plays a huge role in metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage, so helping to keep that microbiome healthy is very important for metabolic health.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Some dietary supplements can alter the absorption, metabolism, or elimination of a medication, which may affect its potency and effectiveness.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
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Matt Emma, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Inside the human body, peptides trigger hormones needed for growth, metabolism and healing.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The gut microbiome plays a huge role in metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage, so helping to keep that microbiome healthy is very important for metabolic health.
—Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Some dietary supplements can alter the absorption, metabolism, or elimination of a medication, which may affect its potency and effectiveness.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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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