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

According to a 2020 analysis of dragon’s blood from multiple Dracaena species published in the journal Phytochemistry, the resin is comprised of a complex mixture of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids and other secondary metabolites. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The researchers also found that the metabolites in monk fruit interact with pathways in the body linked to cancer, suggesting that eating monk fruit may lower your risk of developing the disease. —Korin Miller, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026

Epitrenbolone is a metabolite of Trenbolone, which is contained in some products used in body-building stores and had been used in products to promote cattle growth. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Kepler, 32, tested positive for epitrenbolone, which is a metabolite of trenbolone. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

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