m]
| 1. | Biology, Physiology. the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available. Compare anabolism, catabolism. |
| 2. | any basic process of organic functioning or operating: changes in the country's economic metabolism. |
The total of the chemical reactions that maintain the life of a living thing.
Note: In humans, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food; persons with a high metabolism can eat more without gaining weight.
metabolism me·tab·o·lism (mĭ-tāb'ə-lĭz'əm)
n.
The complex of physical and chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life. In metabolism some substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances, necessary for life, are synthesized.
The functioning of a specific substance, such as water, within the living body.