noun
Uncommon
metabolism
mih-TAB-uh-lihz-uhm
Metabolism (noun) means the set of chemical processes inside a living thing that convert food into energy and keep it alive. Example: “A slow metabolism can make it harder to lose weight.”
noun
1
The set of chemical processes inside a living thing that convert food into energy and keep it alive.
"A slow metabolism can make it harder to lose weight."
"Metabolism speeds up during illness as the body fights infection."
"Teenagers often have a fast metabolism, so they can eat large meals without gaining weight."
How to use metabolism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow your body turns food and oxygen into the energy it needs to function.
Common pairings
fast metabolism
slow metabolism
boost your metabolism
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like metabolism.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- metabolisms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A slow _____ can make it harder to lose weight.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek metabole ("change"), via the -ism suffix, from metaballo ("to change or alter").
Synonyms
View more →
metabolic rate
metamorphosis
Related words
Rhymes for metabolism
See all rhymes for metabolism →Frequently asked questions
What does “metabolism” mean?
The word “metabolism” means the set of chemical processes inside a living thing that convert food into energy and keep it alive. In plain terms, how your body turns food and oxygen into the energy it needs to function.
How do you pronounce “metabolism”?
“Metabolism” is pronounced mih-TAB-uh-lihz-uhm (/məˈtæb.əˌlɪz.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “metabolism” in a sentence?
Here is “metabolism” used in a sentence: “A slow metabolism can make it harder to lose weight.”
What part of speech is “metabolism”?
“Metabolism” is a noun.
Where does the word “metabolism” come from?
The word “metabolism” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek metabole ("change"), via the -ism suffix, from metaballo ("to change or alter").
Is “metabolism” a common word?
“Metabolism” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between metabolism and digestion?
Digestion is the specific process of breaking down food in the digestive system so it can be absorbed. Metabolism is the much broader set of chemical processes that convert that absorbed food into energy and use it to keep the whole body alive and functioning.
What is the difference between a fast metabolism and a slow metabolism?
A fast metabolism means the body converts food into energy more quickly, often burning calories at a higher rate even at rest. A slow metabolism means this conversion happens more gradually, which is why metabolic rate is commonly discussed in relation to weight and energy levels.
Is metabolism only about weight loss?
No, metabolism refers to all the chemical processes that convert food into energy and sustain life, not just weight-related processes. It includes essential functions like breathing, cell repair, and maintaining body temperature, in addition to any role it plays in weight.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include metabolism:
