Metabolized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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metabolized
[məˈtæbəˌlaɪzd ]
Definition
biological processes
Metabolized refers to the process by which the body transforms substances, such as food or drugs, into energy or other compounds. This transformation is essential for maintaining life and can vary significantly from one individual to another. Metabolism involves chemical processes that include breaking down substances (catabolism) and building them up (anabolism). Understanding how substances are metabolized can help in assessing dietary needs, drug effects, and overall health.
Synonyms
converted, processed, transformed.
Examples of usage
- The drug is metabolized in the liver.
- Foods are metabolized into energy by the body.
- The child metabolizes nutrients at a faster rate than adults.
- Alcohol is metabolized more slowly than many drugs.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Metabolism has two main components: catabolism (breaking down substances for energy) and anabolism (building them up to grow and repair).
- Enzymes play a crucial role in metabolism, speeding up the chemical reactions that transform food into energy.
Nutrition
- Different foods are metabolized at different rates, affecting energy levels and weight management.
- High-protein foods can increase the metabolic rate temporarily, helping the body burn more calories compared to carbohydrates or fats.
Health
- Metabolic rate can vary based on age, sex, muscle mass, and activity level, explaining why some people need more food than others.
- Certain conditions like hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain without changes in diet.
Pop Culture
- In fitness culture, metabolic rate is often referenced in discussions about weight loss and diet plans.
- Popular diets frequently claim to boost metabolism, influencing trends like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
Origin of 'metabolized'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Greek 'metabolē', meaning 'change' or 'transformation'.
- It was first used in the late 19th century in the context of biology to describe processes in living organisms.
The term 'metabolized' derives from the word 'metabolism,' which has its roots in the Greek word 'metabole,' meaning 'change' or 'transition.' The prefix 'meta-' suggests transformation, while 'bol' comes from 'ballein,' meaning 'to throw' or 'to put.' The concept of metabolism itself gained prominence in the 19th century as scientists began to understand the chemical processes that sustain life. It encompasses all biochemical reactions within living organisms, including those that produce energy and synthesize cellular components. The awareness that different organisms metabolize substances in varying ways has led to significant advancements in fields such as nutrition, pharmacology, and medicine, as it relates to how individuals respond to different foods and medications.