metabolism
C1Formal, Scientific, Medical, Everyday (in health/fitness contexts)
Definition
Meaning
The set of chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life, involving the conversion of food to energy and the building and repair of tissues.
The rate or efficiency of these processes in an individual; figuratively, the overall pace or rate of activity and change within a system or organization.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun. Can be used with modifiers (e.g., 'fast', 'slow', 'basal') to describe its rate. The figurative use ('the metabolism of the city') is less common but understood.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, particularly in scientific, medical, and general wellness contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a + ADJ + metabolismthe metabolism of + NOUN (e.g., glucose)ADJ + metabolism (e.g., sluggish metabolism)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'metabolism']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use: 'The company's metabolism for innovation has slowed.'
Academic
Central in biology, biochemistry, medicine, and physiology papers.
Everyday
Common in discussions about diet, exercise, weight, and health: 'I have a slow metabolism.'
Technical
Precise reference to pathways like carbohydrate metabolism, metabolic pathways, metabolic disorders.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The drug metabolises quickly in the liver.
- How does the body metabolise alcohol?
American English
- The drug metabolizes quickly in the liver.
- How does the body metabolize alcohol?
adverb
British English
- The substance is metabolically active.
- He is metabolically healthy.
American English
- The substance is metabolically active.
- He is metabolically healthy.
adjective
British English
- She has a high metabolic rate.
- It's a key metabolic pathway.
American English
- She has a high metabolic rate.
- It's a key metabolic pathway.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Exercise is good for your metabolism.
- Food gives our body energy through metabolism.
- Some people have a faster metabolism than others.
- Drinking green tea might slightly boost your metabolism.
- The doctor explained that his fatigue could be linked to a sluggish metabolism.
- Basal metabolism refers to the energy you use at complete rest.
- Researchers are studying how circadian rhythms regulate cellular metabolism.
- The metabolism of pharmaceuticals varies significantly between individuals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META (change) + BOLISM (from Greek 'bole', a throw). It's about the body 'throwing' things into change—changing food into energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body is an engine/furnace (e.g., 'stoke your metabolism', 'metabolic fire').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'обмен веществ' as 'exchange of substances' in English. Use 'metabolism'.
- Do not use 'metabolism' to mean general 'exchange' in non-biological contexts (e.g., cultural exchange).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /ˈmet.ə.bɒl.ɪz.əm/ (wrong stress).
- Using as a countable noun without a modifier: *'He has a good metabolism' is less common than 'He has a fast metabolism.'
- Confusing 'metabolism' with 'digestion' (which is just one part of metabolism).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'basal metabolism'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. Metabolism is the broader set of all chemical processes that use the products of digestion for energy, growth, and repair.
To a limited extent. Factors like muscle mass, physical activity, and certain foods can cause a temporary, modest increase in metabolic rate, but significant, permanent changes are difficult to achieve.
These are informal terms referring to an individual's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). A 'fast' metabolism means the body burns more calories at rest, while a 'slow' one burns fewer.
No. While often discussed in weight management contexts, metabolism encompasses all life-sustaining chemical transformations, including synthesizing cellular components, eliminating waste, and regulating temperature.