metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt 

1

: a product of metabolism

2

: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

Examples of metabolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the other hand, chemical leavening destroys both the beneficial microbes and the metabolites. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 10 Dec. 2025

The researchers also looked at other metabolites and compounds in cocoa and coffee. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Using mice, human cell models, and molecular target-screening, the scientists found that when the nutrient choline hits the gut, microbes convert it into a metabolite called trimethylamine (TMA). —New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2025

Easy@Home PdG Test Strips At-home urine test strips that detect the progesterone metabolite (PdG). —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for metabolite

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

Kids Definition

metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt 

1

: a substance produced by metabolism

2

: a substance essential to a process of metabolism

Medical Definition

metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite -ˌlīt 

1

: a product of metabolism:

a

: a metabolic waste usually more or less toxic to the organism producing it : excretion

b

: a product of one metabolic process that is essential to another such process in the same organism

c

: a metabolic waste of one organism that is markedly toxic to another : antibiotic

2

: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process