Definition

Adverb: In a way that relates to or involves metabolism—the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Usage

The adverb "metabolically" describes how an action or state is connected to the biochemical reactions of metabolism. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify a metabolic context.

Examples

• The patient is metabolically stable, showing normal liver and kidney function.
• This tissue remains metabolically active even during rest.
• The drug is processed metabolically in the liver.
• Metabolically speaking, these two pathways are closely linked.

Advanced Usage

• Metabolically expensive: Describing a biological process that requires a significant amount of energy.
  • Flight is a metabolically expensive activity for birds.
• Metabolically flexible: Referring to an organism's ability to switch between different fuel sources (e.g., fats and carbohydrates).
  • A healthy individual is metabolically flexible.

Variants and Related Words

• Metabolic (adjective): Of or relating to metabolism.
  • The doctor ordered a panel of metabolic tests.
• Metabolism (noun): The chemical processes in a living organism.
  • Exercise can help boost your metabolism.

Synonyms

• Biochemically
• Physiologically (in a related, broader sense)

Notes on Meaning

"Metabolically" is a specialized scientific adverb. Its core meaning is consistently tied to the concept of metabolism. It does not have common idiomatic or phrasal verb uses outside of technical and medical contexts.

Adverb

1. involving metabolism
   • metabolically important substances