metabolism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the set of chemical processes by which a living organism converts substances into energy and materials needed for life, growth, and repair

   A lack of oxygen can disrupt the metabolism of cells throughout the body.

2. 2
   noun

   the rate at which a person or organism uses energy

   Regular exercise can affect metabolism even while the body is at rest.

Borrowed in the late nineteenth century from French metabolisme, based on Greek metabole ("change") and the suffix -ism. Metabole comes from metaballein ("to change"), combining meta- in the sense of change with ballein ("to throw"). The biological term emphasizes continual chemical transformation within living things.

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