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
According to the researchers, caffeine passed from mother to baby—either during pregnancy or through breast milk—may offer early protection that fades as the baby's metabolism speeds up.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
These and other metabolic disorders generate a troublesome immune response—inflammation—that worsens metabolism still further.
—Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Underlying health conditions: Conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss harder by affecting metabolism and hormones linked to appetite.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 June 2025
Boosting your metabolism: Regular movement helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolic health.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
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Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
These and other metabolic disorders generate a troublesome immune response—inflammation—that worsens metabolism still further.
—Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Underlying health conditions: Conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss harder by affecting metabolism and hormones linked to appetite.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 June 2025
Boosting your metabolism: Regular movement helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolic health.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 June 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 18 Jun. 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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