metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated (see assimilate entry 1 sense 1b)
Regular exercise can help to increase your metabolism.
b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body
c
: the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment
the metabolism of a lake
2
: metamorphosis sense 2 —usually used in combination
holometabolism
Example Sentences
studying the metabolisms of various organisms
Recent Examples on the Web And the monito del monte is a tiny marsupial that slows its breathing rate during hibernation in an astonishing way -- which could reveal insights about human metabolism. 
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 9 July 2022 Bonewald has found that BAIBA protects osteocytes from dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism called reactive oxygen species. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2022 For example, mitochondria help control the balance of potentially toxic byproducts of cellular metabolism called reactive oxygen species and the synthesis of stress hormones like cortisol. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 18 June 2021 Regularly working with lower weights will boost your metabolism and athletic performance, and this compact and adjustable set has an easy learning curve. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 22 July 2022 The changes in metabolism scarily look a lot like some of the signatures that come out of, say, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] and other neurodegenerative diseases. Robin Lloyd, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2022 Jen, actually not drunk at all thanks to that newfound Hulk metabolism, is thrilled to hear it. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 18 Aug. 2022 Because of the metabolism change, a Hulk can drink all night and not get drunk. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2022 An almost-tempting prospect after the recent heatwave, submerging yourself in an ice bath is a brilliant way to reduce inflammation, speed up metabolism, and achieve mental clarity. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 July 2022 See More
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 9 July 2022 Bonewald has found that BAIBA protects osteocytes from dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism called reactive oxygen species. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Mar. 2022 For example, mitochondria help control the balance of potentially toxic byproducts of cellular metabolism called reactive oxygen species and the synthesis of stress hormones like cortisol. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 18 June 2021 Regularly working with lower weights will boost your metabolism and athletic performance, and this compact and adjustable set has an easy learning curve. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 22 July 2022 The changes in metabolism scarily look a lot like some of the signatures that come out of, say, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] and other neurodegenerative diseases. Robin Lloyd, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2022 Jen, actually not drunk at all thanks to that newfound Hulk metabolism, is thrilled to hear it. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 18 Aug. 2022 Because of the metabolism change, a Hulk can drink all night and not get drunk. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2022 An almost-tempting prospect after the recent heatwave, submerging yourself in an ice bath is a brilliant way to reduce inflammation, speed up metabolism, and achieve mental clarity. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 27 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
metabol(ic) + -ism, after French métabolisme or German Metabolismus
First Known Use
1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing metabolism
Kids Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm
: the processes by which a living organism uses food to obtain energy and build tissue and disposes of waste material
Medical Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
a
: the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm
specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
methods of determining body and tissue metabolism Bulletin of the University of Kentucky
see anabolism, catabolism Bulletin of the University of Kentucky b
: the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled (as by assimilation and incorporation or by detoxification and excretion) in the living body
the metabolism of iodine in the thyroid
2
: metamorphosis sense 2 —usually used in combination
holometabolism