metabolize
verb
me·tab·o·lize
mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz 
metabolized; metabolizing
: to subject to metabolism
: to perform metabolism
Examples of metabolize in a Sentence
Food is metabolized by the body.
Recent Examples on the Web
If the person is untreated, the methanol metabolizes into formic acid, which attacks the optic nerve and nervous system, leading to blindness, organ failure or death within 48 hours.
—
Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In addition, dietary tryptophan – an amino acid found in foods such as poultry, eggs, tofu and seeds – is metabolized into compounds that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, further boosting Treg cell activity and protecting against gut inflammation.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
The Swedish institution often anoints writers who metabolize their specific histories into memorable language that stretches beyond borders and governments, transcending regional particulars.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Scientists are now collecting chimp urine to see if the primates are actually metabolizing the alcohol.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolize
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Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In addition, dietary tryptophan – an amino acid found in foods such as poultry, eggs, tofu and seeds – is metabolized into compounds that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, further boosting Treg cell activity and protecting against gut inflammation.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
The Swedish institution often anoints writers who metabolize their specific histories into memorable language that stretches beyond borders and governments, transcending regional particulars.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Scientists are now collecting chimp urine to see if the primates are actually metabolizing the alcohol.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolize
Cite this Entry
“Metabolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolize. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metabolize
verb
me·tab·o·lize
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz
metabolized; metabolizing
: to break down by metabolism
food is metabolized by the body
Medical Definition
metabolize
verb
me·tab·o·lize
variants
also British metabolise
metabolized also British metabolised; metabolizing also British metabolising
: to subject to metabolism
: to perform metabolism
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