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

Humans metabolize cocaine quickly, meaning much of what ultimately enters wastewater is the metabolite rather than the original drug. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

If desired, waste products and other metabolites could be removed from the blood, and nutrients, therapeutic or experimental drugs, anticoagulants and other substances added to the blood. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026

Consequently, blood and urine tests in affected cats usually show elevated levels of creatinine, urea, phosphorus, and other metabolites. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

Mash says DemeRx’s drug is a metabolite of ibogaine, and doesn’t carry the same hallucinogenic effects or risks as the original drug. —Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 24 Apr. 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
• chalcopyrite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite

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