metabolize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metabolize” mean?
To process (a substance) within a living organism or cell to produce energy, build tissue, or eliminate waste.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To process (a substance) within a living organism or cell to produce energy, build tissue, or eliminate waste.
To process or transform something more generally; to integrate and use information, resources, or experiences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English often uses 'metabolise' with an 's', while American English uses 'metabolize' with a 'z'. No difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical. Strictly neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in scientific contexts. Very low frequency in everyday speech for both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “metabolize” in a Sentence
[subject: organism/organ] metabolizes [object: substance][subject: substance] is metabolized (by [agent])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metabolize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The human body can metabolise alcohol at a rate of about one unit per hour.
- Some individuals metabolise caffeine more slowly due to genetic factors.
American English
- The liver metabolizes most prescription drugs.
- Infants cannot metabolize certain compounds as efficiently as adults.
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form. 'Metabolically' is derived from 'metabolic', e.g., 'metabolically active tissue']
American English
- [No adverb form. 'Metabolically' is derived from 'metabolic', e.g., 'metabolically expensive process']
adjective
British English
- [No common adjective form. 'Metabolic' is the related adjective, e.g., 'metabolic rate']
American English
- [No common adjective form. 'Metabolic' is the related adjective, e.g., 'metabolic pathway']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The company must metabolize the vast amounts of market data quickly.'
Academic
Standard scientific term: 'The liver metabolizes toxins via the cytochrome P450 system.'
Everyday
Rare. Possibly in health/fitness contexts: 'He has a fast metabolism, so he metabolizes food quickly.'
Technical
Core usage in biology, medicine, pharmacology: 'The new drug is metabolized primarily by the kidneys.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metabolize”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metabolize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metabolize”
- Confusing 'metabolize' with 'digest' (digestion is mechanical/initial, metabolism is chemical).
- Using it transitively for the food itself incorrectly: 'The food metabolized' (passive 'was metabolized' is better).
- Misspelling: 'metabolise' (UK) vs. 'metabolize' (US) in the wrong context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food in the gut into absorbable components. Metabolism (to metabolize) refers to the subsequent cellular processes that use these components for energy, growth, and repair.
Yes, but this is a metaphorical extension. It is increasingly used in technology, business, and psychology to mean 'process and integrate' (e.g., 'metabolize new information', 'the economy metabolized the shock'). This usage is more advanced (C1/C2).
No, 'metabolise' is the standard British English spelling, while 'metabolize' is standard American English. Both are correct within their respective varieties.
No. It is a specialist term from biology and medicine. In everyday talk about food and energy, people are more likely to use phrases like 'burn calories', 'have a fast/slow metabolism', or simply 'process'.
To process (a substance) within a living organism or cell to produce energy, build tissue, or eliminate waste.
Metabolize is usually technical, academic, scientific in register.
Metabolize: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈtæb.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæb.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a METAbal (like a metal ball) being LIZED (like analyzed) by your body. Your body 'analyzes and processes' food like a machine processes metal.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CHEMICAL PROCESSING PLANT; LEARNING/ADAPTING IS DIGESTING.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to metabolize information' is best understood as: