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
Examples of metabolism in a Sentence
studying the metabolisms of various organisms
Recent Examples on the Web
People who eat more in the morning when metabolism is most efficient, may be more likely to lose weight (or maintain a healthy weight).
—
Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
In addition to creating the bots, the researchers also created their own laws of robot metabolism, which echoes Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics just a little.
—New Atlas, 18 July 2025
Menopause, when periods permanently stop, and perimenopause, the time leading up to it, can also cause the body to store more fat and slow down metabolism.
—Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
These levels typically increase with menopause, contributing to changes in mood, metabolism, bone density,and cognition.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
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Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
In addition to creating the bots, the researchers also created their own laws of robot metabolism, which echoes Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics just a little.
—New Atlas, 18 July 2025
Menopause, when periods permanently stop, and perimenopause, the time leading up to it, can also cause the body to store more fat and slow down metabolism.
—Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
These levels typically increase with menopause, contributing to changes in mood, metabolism, bone density,and cognition.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for metabolism
Cite this Entry
“Metabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolism. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metabolism
noun
me·tab·o·lism
mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the processes essential for life by which the complex substances in the cells of living things are built up or broken down
2
: the processes by which a particular substance (as iodine) is handled in the living body
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
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