Your metabolism is the way that chemical processes in your body cause food to be used in an efficient way, for example to make new cells and to give you energy.
metabolism in British English
(mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm)
noun
1.
the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etc
anabolism, basal metabolism, catabolism
2.
the sum total of the chemical processes affecting a particular substance in the body
carbohydrate metabolism
iodine metabolism
Derived forms
metabolic (ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk)
adjective
metabolically (ˌmetaˈbolically)
adverb
Word origin
C19: from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw
metabolism in American English
(məˈtæbəˌlɪzəm)
noun
the chemical and physical processes continuously going on in living organisms and cells, consisting of anabolism and catabolism
Word origin
< Gr metabolē, change < meta, beyond (see meta-) + ballein, to throw (see ball2) + -ism
Examples of 'metabolism' in a sentence
metabolism
The most efficient form of energy production within the body is the metabolism offood.
Chaitow, Leon The Beat Fatigue Workbook - how to identify the causes (1988)
Staying slim does get harder as we age because the fats that boost metabolism are less efficient.
The Sun (2016)
Kidney failure causes changes in metabolism that can be a trigger.
The Sun (2010)
It is also involved in the metabolism of food.
Sedgbeer, Sandra The A-Z of Beauty Treatment (1994)
You can boost your metabolism in natural ways by taking exercise and eating three healthy meals a day.
The Sun (2011)
Too much or too little thyroid hormone in the body affects the metabolism and the hair growth cycle.
The Sun (2011)
It must be your fast metabolism.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The answer to the problem lies in working from an alternative perspective and finding ways in which metabolism can be speeded up.
MacEoin, Beth Healthy By Nature (1994)
This vitamin plays a critical role in numerous biochemical processes, notably energy metabolism.
Sedgbeer, Sandra The A-Z of Beauty Treatment (1994)
Important for metabolism, growth and thyroid regulation.
The Sun (2007)
The human metabolism is designed to yo-yo.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
One was the idea that coffee might improve glucose and energy metabolism, burning more calories.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The more lean muscle tissue in your body, the faster your metabolism will be.
The Sun (2011)
The bottom line represents the key ageing process - human metabolism.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This is part of the individual nature of our body 's metabolism.
Stewart, Dr Alan & Stewart, Maryon The Vitality Diet (1990)
Work out what you're willing to sacrifice but just remember that alcohol does not help your metabolism in any way.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The B vitamins are used in energy metabolism but other foods are better sources.
The Sun (2012)
The thyroid gland is found in the neck and produces hormones that are released into the bloodstream to control the body's growth and metabolism.
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
metabolism
British English: metabolism /mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm/ NOUN
Your metabolism is the way that chemical processes in your body cause food to be used in an efficient way, for example to give you energy.
If you don't eat breakfast, your metabolism slows down.