Definition

1. Noun:
   • The chemical processes in living organisms that sustain life: "Metabolism" refers to the complex set of life-sustaining chemical transformations within the cells of living organisms. These processes allow organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to their environments. It encompasses both the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy (catabolism) and the synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells (anabolism).
   • A marked biological transformation: In a specific zoological context, "metabolism" can denote a rapid and distinct transformation from one life stage to another, such as from a larva to an adult.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • A faster metabolism helps some people burn calories more quickly.
  • The study focused on the metabolism of glucose in the liver.
  • In insects like butterflies, metamorphosis is a dramatic form of metabolism.

Advanced Usage

• "Basal metabolism": The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and keeping warm.
  • His basal metabolism was measured to assess his daily caloric needs.
• "To boost one's metabolism": To increase the rate at which one's body converts food into energy.
  • Regular exercise can help boost your metabolism.

Variants and Related Words

• Metabolic (adj): Relating to metabolism.
  • The doctor ordered tests to check for metabolic disorders.
• Metabolize (verb): To process or transform a substance by metabolism.
  • The body metabolizes carbohydrates into glucose.

Synonyms

• Chemical process: A process involving chemical change.
• Anabolism: The constructive, synthetic part of metabolism.
• Catabolism: The destructive, energy-releasing part of metabolism.

Related Phrases

• "Slow metabolism": A metabolism that operates at a relatively low rate, often associated with weight gain.
  • She blames her weight gain on a slow metabolism.
• "Metabolic rate": The speed at which metabolism occurs.
  • Athletes typically have a high metabolic rate.

Noun

1. the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life
2. the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals