Metabolizing: meaning, definitions and examples

⚗️
Add to dictionary

metabolizing

 

[ mɛtəˈbɒlɪzaɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

biological process

Metabolizing refers to the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. This includes the conversion of food and other substances into energy and building blocks for growth and repair. Metabolizing can be broadly divided into two categories: catabolism, which breaks down molecules to release energy, and anabolism, which uses energy to construct components of cells. The efficiency of metabolizing varies among different organisms and can be influenced by factors such as diet, temperature, and lifestyle.

Synonyms

converting, processing, transforming

Examples of usage

  • The body is constantly metabolizing food to provide energy.
  • During exercise, the muscles are metabolizing glucose for fuel.
  • Different animals have different rates of metabolizing nutrients.
  • Age can affect how efficiently a person is metabolizing substances.

Translations

Translations of the word "metabolizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metabolizando

🇮🇳 चयापचय करना

🇩🇪 metabolisierend

🇮🇩 metabolisme

🇺🇦 метаболізуючи

🇵🇱 metabolizując

🇯🇵 代謝している

🇫🇷 métabolisant

🇪🇸 metabolizando

🇹🇷 metabolize etmek

🇰🇷 대사 작용 중인

🇸🇦 التمثيل الغذائي

🇨🇿 metabolizující

🇸🇰 metabolizujúci

🇨🇳 代谢中

🇸🇮 metabolizirajoč

🇮🇸 efnafræðilega

🇰🇿 метаболизирующий

🇬🇪 მეტაბოლიზირებადი

🇦🇿 metabollaşdıran

🇲🇽 metabolizando

Etymology

The word 'metabolize' originates from the Greek word 'metabole', meaning 'change' or 'exchange', which is derived from 'metaballein', meaning 'to change'. The prefix 'meta-' refers to change, while 'ballein' means 'to throw' or 'to cast'. This term began to be used in a biological context in the late 19th century as scientists started to understand more about the processes that occur in living organisms. Over time, the concept of metabolism evolved, encompassing a wide range of biochemical reactions and pathways that are essential for sustaining life. Today, it encompasses all the substrates and intermediates involved, forming the basis for understanding both health and disease in biological systems.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,543, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.