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metabolism

The definition of metabolism is the organic and chemical processes inside of organisms that are necessary to maintain life, or how quickly you burn calories or fat.

(noun)

The chemical processes that let you stay alive are an example of metabolism.
The rate at which you burn fat and calories you consume is an example of metabolism.

See metabolism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the chemical and physical processes continuously going on in living organisms and cells, consisting of anabolism and catabolism

Origin: < Gr metabolē, change < meta, beyond (see meta-) + ballein, to throw (see ball) + -ism

See metabolism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The 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 processing of a specific substance within the living body: water metabolism; iodine metabolism.

Origin:

Origin: From Greek metabolē, change

Origin: , from metaballein, to change

Origin: : meta-, meta-

Origin: + ballein, to throw; see g^welə- in Indo-European roots

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