metabolism
muh-TAB-uh-liz-um
/məˈtæbəlɪzəm/
the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
In common speech, it's often used to refer to how fast someone burns calories, but scientifically it covers all chemical reactions in the body.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'metabole', meaning 'change' or 'overthrow'. It describes how the body 'changes' food into energy and tissue.
Word relationships
- energy cycle: A more descriptive, less formal term for the process.
Commonly confused with
- catabolism: Catabolism is the breaking down of molecules; metabolism is the sum of both breaking down and building up (anabolism).
Word family
- metabolic (adjective): Relating to metabolism.
- metabolize (verb): To process through metabolism.
Collocations
- fast metabolism
- slow metabolism
- metabolic rate
Example sentences
- "Exercise can significantly boost your basal metabolism, helping you burn more energy even at rest." A scientific explanation of energy.
- "Hummingbirds have an incredibly fast metabolism, requiring them to eat several times their body weight in nectar each day." Describing a biological trait.
Memory hook
Metabolism: 'Metal-Ball-Ism'—imagine a metal ball rolling and creating energy. The body's engine.
When not to use
Don't use it as a synonym for 'digestion' alone; digestion is just one part of metabolism.
Fun facts
- Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism.
Explore more words
ferment, enzyme, photosynthesis, fermentation, consumption, Synthesis
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