Definition

Noun: A disruption, abnormality, or failure in the complex set of life-sustaining chemical reactions (metabolism) within the cells of living organisms. This can involve the improper processing or utilization of nutrients, leading to a wide range of health problems.

Usage

The term is used in medical and biological contexts to describe conditions where the body's normal metabolic processes are impaired. It is a broad category encompassing many specific diseases.

Examples

• General: "The doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating metabolic disorders."
• Specific Mention: "Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder affecting how the body uses blood sugar."
• Cause/Effect: "The newborn screening test can detect certain metabolic disorders before symptoms appear."

Advanced Usage

• "Inborn error of metabolism": A specific subtype of metabolic disorder that is present from birth, caused by a genetic defect affecting a specific enzyme or metabolic pathway.
  • Example: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a classic example of an inborn error of metabolism.

Variants and Related Words

• Metabolism (n): The chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
• Metabolic (adj): Relating to metabolism.
  • Example: The patient's metabolic rate was unusually high.
• Metabolize (v): To undergo or subject to metabolism.
  • Example: The liver helps metabolize drugs and toxins.

Synonyms

• Metabolic disease
• Metabolic dysfunction
• Disorder of metabolism

Different Meanings / Broader Context

While "metabolic disorder" strictly refers to a pathological condition, the root word "metabolic" can be used in non-disordered contexts: * Metabolic pathway: A series of connected chemical reactions within a cell. * Metabolic rate: The speed at which an organism's body uses energy.

Noun

1. a disorder or defect of metabolism