Meaning & Definition of word "Metabolic"

Metabolic

/məˈtæb.ə.lɪk/

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to the biochemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life.
    • Example: Regular exercise can enhance your metabolic rate and improve overall health.
  • 2. Pertaining to the conversion of food into energy or the management of energy use in the body.
    • Example: Understanding your metabolic function can help tailor your diet for weight loss.
  • 3. Involved in the changes during the metabolic processes that sustain life.
    • Example: The metabolic pathways in cells are essential for energy production and nutrient processing.
  • 4. Describing conditions or disorders related to metabolism.
    • Example: She was diagnosed with a metabolic disorder that affects her body's ability to process sugar.

Etymology

From the Greek word 'metabole' meaning 'change'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

metabolic syndrome:

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

metabolic pathway:

A series of chemical reactions in a cell that lead to a specific product.

metabolic activity:

The sum of all chemical processes that occur in a living organism.

Related Words

metabolism:

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

anabolism:

The phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials.

catabolism:

The phase of metabolism involving the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones.

Slang Meanings of metabolic

Meaning: Referring to high metabolic activity, often used to describe someone who can eat a lot without gaining weight.

Example Sentence: She's got a crazy metabolic rate; she can eat pizza and still look fit.

Meaning: A playful term for people who are always on the move and burning energy.

Example Sentence: My friend is like a metabolic machine, always running around and full of energy.