metabolize
/me'tæbəlaiz/ Cách viết khác : (metabolise) /me'tæbəlaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To process or transform (a substance) within a living organism through metabolism: This is the primary biological meaning, referring to the chemical processes by which an organism breaks down food, drugs, or other substances to produce energy and basic components for cellular function.
- To undergo metabolism: The word can also be used intransitively to describe the process happening within an organism or substance.
Usage
- As a transitive verb, "metabolize" takes a direct object (the substance being processed).
- As an intransitive verb, it describes the process without a specified object.
- It is commonly used in biological, medical, nutritional, and pharmacological contexts.
Examples
- Transitive use:
- The liver helps to metabolize drugs and toxins.
- Our bodies metabolize carbohydrates into glucose for energy.
- Intransitive use:
- The medication metabolizes quickly in the bloodstream.
- Some people metabolize at a faster rate than others.
Advanced Usage
- "to be metabolized by": Indicates the agent (usually an organ or enzyme system) performing the metabolic action.
- Caffeine is primarily metabolized by the liver.
- Used in passive constructions to focus on the substance undergoing the process.
- Fructose is metabolized differently than glucose.
Variants and Related Words
- Metabolism (n): The chemical processes occurring within a living organism to maintain life.
- A fast metabolism can help with weight management.
- Metabolic (adj): Relating to metabolism.
- Metabolic rate varies from person to person.
- Metabolite (n): A substance formed in or necessary for metabolism.
- This test measures the level of a drug metabolite in your urine.
Synonyms
- Process: To convert or transform through a series of operations (broader, less specific).
- Break down: To decompose into simpler components (a common aspect of metabolism).
- Assimilate: To absorb and integrate nutrients (often a part of the metabolic process).
Antonyms
- Accumulate: To gather or build up, often without being processed.
- Ingest: To take in (food, drink) into the body, which is the step before metabolism.
Related Phrases/Concepts
- Metabolic pathway: A series of chemical reactions within a cell, catalyzed by enzymes, leading to a product.
- Glycolysis is a key metabolic pathway for energy production.
- Basal metabolic rate (BMR): The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions.
- Your BMR is the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions.