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

When the body breaks down alcohol, the metabolites produced can be toxic, Smolen says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

According to the company, paraxanthine is the primary metabolite of caffeine and aims to offer sustained energy without jitters, crashes or overstimulation. — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Traditional urine testing detects inactive THC metabolites and does not establish present impairment. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Between the two groups, 114 proteins and seven metabolites were significantly different. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 30 June 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