metabolism
Syllabification: (me·tab·o·lism)
Pronunciation: /məˈtabəˌlizəm/
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Definition of metabolism
noun
- the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
Two kinds of metabolism are often distinguished: constructive metabolism, the synthesis of the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that form tissue and store energy, and destructive metabolism, the breakdown of complex substances and the consequent production of energy and waste matter
Origin:
late 19th century: from Greek metabolē 'change' (from metaballein 'to change') + -ism
