metabolism
muh-TAB-uh-liz-um
/məˈtæbəlɪzəm/
The sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Often used colloquially to refer to 'speed' of weight loss, but scientifically it encompasses both building up and breaking down matter.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Greek 'metabole', meaning 'change'. It was coined to describe how the body constantly changes food into energy and tissue, and then changes those tissues back into waste.
Word relationships
- biotransformation: Biotransformation specifically refers to the chemical modification of substances like drugs or toxins.
Commonly confused with
- digestion: Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food in the gut; metabolism is what happens inside the cells after nutrients are absorbed.
Word family
- metabolic (adjective): Relating to metabolism.
- metabolize (verb): To process a substance through metabolism.
Collocations
- resting metabolism
- metabolic rate
- slow metabolism
- fast metabolism
Example sentences
- "Regular exercise can help boost your resting metabolism, allowing you to burn more energy even while asleep." General health discussion
- "The metabolism of the cell is a complex network of chemical reactions." Scientific literature
Memory hook
Think of a 'Metabolic' engine that 'Metamorphosizes' food into fuel. The body's engine of change.
When not to use
Do not use when referring only to digestion; digestion is just one part of the broader metabolic process.
Fun facts
- Even when you are sitting perfectly still, your metabolism is working hard to keep your heart beating and lungs breathing.
Related words
Explore more words
ferment, enzyme, photosynthesis, fermentation, consumption, Synthesis
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