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Metabolic: meaning, definitions and examples

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metabolic

 

[ məˈtæbəlɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

biological processes

Metabolic refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes include the conversion of food to energy, the building of cellular components, and the elimination of waste products. Metabolism can be divided into two main categories: catabolism, which breaks down molecules to produce energy, and anabolism, which uses energy to construct cellular components. The metabolic rate varies significantly among species and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including age, sex, and physical activity levels.

Synonyms

biochemical, energetic, physiological

Examples of usage

  • A balanced diet supports healthy metabolic function.
  • Doctors often assess metabolic rates during evaluations.
  • Exercise can increase your metabolic rate.
  • Certain disorders can disrupt normal metabolic processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "metabolic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metabólico

🇮🇳 मेटाबॉलिक

🇩🇪 metabolisch

🇮🇩 metabolik

🇺🇦 метаболічний

🇵🇱 metaboliczny

🇯🇵 代謝的な

🇫🇷 métabolique

🇪🇸 metabólico

🇹🇷 metabolik

🇰🇷 대사적인

🇸🇦 الأيضي

🇨🇿 metabolický

🇸🇰 metabolický

🇨🇳 代谢的

🇸🇮 metaboličen

🇮🇸 efnahvörf

🇰🇿 метаболикалық

🇬🇪 მეტაბოლური

🇦🇿 metabolik

🇲🇽 metabólico

Word origin

The term 'metabolic' originates from the Greek word 'metabole', meaning 'a change' or 'transformation'. This word itself is derived from 'metaballein', which means 'to change or exchange'. The study of metabolism dates back to ancient times when philosophers and early scientists sought to understand the processes of life. As biology advanced, particularly during the 19th century with the advent of biochemistry, the term 'metabolic' became more specifically associated with the biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms. The concept of metabolism also gained traction with the discovery of enzymes and hormones, which play vital roles in regulating these processes. Today, 'metabolic' is commonly used in various scientific fields, including nutrition, medicine, and exercise science, to describe the intricate and essential processes that sustain life.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,476 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.