Meaning & Definition of word "Metabolism"
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Metabolism
/məˈtæb.əl.ɪ.zəm/
noun:
- 1. The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy.
- Example: Regular exercise can boost your metabolism and help with weight loss.
- 2. The sum of the chemical reactions that occur in a living organism.
- Example: His high metabolism allows him to eat a lot without gaining weight.
- 3. The process of breaking down substances to produce energy and synthesizing new compounds.
- Example: Metabolism is crucial for growth, reproduction, and maintenance of cellular structures.
- 4. A term often used to describe the rate at which the body converts food into energy.
- Example: She has a fast metabolism, which means she needs to eat frequently.
- 5. The balance between catabolism and anabolism in a living organism.
- Example: An effective metabolism includes a healthy balance of both catabolic and anabolic processes.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'metabolē', meaning 'change' or 'overthrow'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
fast metabolism:
A condition where a person burns calories quickly.
slow metabolism:
A condition where a person burns calories slowly.
metabolic syndrome:
A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Related Words
anabolism:
The metabolic process that builds up larger molecules from smaller ones.
catabolism:
The metabolic process that breaks down larger molecules into smaller units.
Slang Meanings of metabolism
Meaning: Metabolic rate booster
Example Sentence: I started taking supplements to act as a metabolic rate booster.
Meaning: Metabolic fire
Example Sentence: You need to keep your metabolic fire burning to lose weight effectively.