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

Share [Findings] Humboldt penguins who nest in the open have more pollutant metabolites in their blood than do penguins who nest in guano-rich burrows. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 17 July 2024

This analysis of gene activity, metabolites and other data came up with several key associations in the high resilience group. —Will Stone, NPR, 25 June 2024

Hopson took her son to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin where cocaine metabolites were later identified in the infant’s urine, authorities said. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 29 May 2024

Mainly, microbiomes in highly resilient individuals excreted metabolites (chemical messengers) and exhibited gene activity associated with therapeutic properties, low inflammation, and a strong gut barrier. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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