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
Alongside metabolism, the team also measured reproductive hormones and blood parameters linked to oxygen transport.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Limit triggers One of the most difficult aspects of addressing sugar cravings is that they’re typically driven by unconscious signals, explains Dana Small, a professor studying the brain, diet, and metabolism at McGill University in Canada.
—Emma Yasinski, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Exercise and protein can also help regulate your body’s metabolism, preventing a spike in blood sugar.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Receptors help regulate biological pathways involved in processes such as inflammation, metabolism and cell protection.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Limit triggers One of the most difficult aspects of addressing sugar cravings is that they’re typically driven by unconscious signals, explains Dana Small, a professor studying the brain, diet, and metabolism at McGill University in Canada.
—Emma Yasinski, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Exercise and protein can also help regulate your body’s metabolism, preventing a spike in blood sugar.
—Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2026
Receptors help regulate biological pathways involved in processes such as inflammation, metabolism and cell protection.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 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 29 Jan. 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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