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
Grave’s disease is an immune system condition that causes the production of too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism and speeding up the body's metabolism, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—
Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
The ability to rewire plant metabolism marks a milestone.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
These included genetic variations in fatty acid metabolism and vitamin D synthesis.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Since then about 500 generations of brown rats have lived here and have developed unique genetic adaptations related to metabolism, diet, nervous system and locomotion.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
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Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
The ability to rewire plant metabolism marks a milestone.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
These included genetic variations in fatty acid metabolism and vitamin D synthesis.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Since then about 500 generations of brown rats have lived here and have developed unique genetic adaptations related to metabolism, diet, nervous system and locomotion.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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