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

Alongside that increase, metabolites such as uridine and uracil were elevated, molecules known to influence appetite and energy balance. —New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026

Researchers analyzed the medical records of over 2,500 people with asthma by using metabolomics, a way to measure small molecules in the blood called metabolites. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

This easy-to-use drug test provides quick results for both specific drugs and drug metabolites that are not found in five-panel drug tests. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

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

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