metabolome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metabolome” mean?
The complete set of small-molecule chemicals found within a biological sample, such as a cell, tissue, or organism, at a specific point in time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The complete set of small-molecule chemicals found within a biological sample, such as a cell, tissue, or organism, at a specific point in time.
In systems biology, the metabolome represents the dynamic, quantitative profile of all metabolites (e.g., sugars, lipids, amino acids) which are the end products of cellular processes. Its analysis (metabolomics) provides a functional readout of the physiological state and is used in fields like medicine, nutrition, and plant science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical, research-oriented connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Exclusively used in scientific literature and discourse with equal frequency in both UK and US contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metabolome” in a Sentence
The metabolome of [NOUN PHRASE]to analyse/profile/characterise [DETERMINER] metabolomeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metabolome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Researchers aimed to metabolome-profile the tissue samples.
American English
- The new technique allows us to effectively metabolome the cell culture.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The metabolomic data revealed unexpected pathways.
American English
- They conducted a comprehensive metabolomic analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in biochemistry, systems biology, medicine, and nutrition research.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary domain of use. Refers to a key dataset in 'omics' sciences (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metabolome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metabolome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metabolome”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'lots of metabolome').
- Confusing it with 'metabolism' (the process) or 'metabolite' (a single compound).
- Misspelling as 'metabolom' (missing the final 'e').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Metabolism' refers to the entire set of life-sustaining chemical *processes* in an organism. The 'metabolome' is the complete set of small-molecule *chemicals* (metabolites) that are the inputs, intermediates, and outputs of those processes.
It is a fully established scientific term, first used in the late 1990s, and now appears in major dictionaries and is a standard part of the scientific lexicon in biology and medicine.
Conceptually, yes. An individual's metabolome is unique and can vary with time, diet, health, and environment. The phrase 'personal metabolome' is sometimes used in the context of personalised medicine and nutrition.
The genome (the set of genes) provides the blueprint and instructions. The metabolome represents the functional, biochemical outcome of those instructions interacting with the environment. It is the closest link to observable phenotype.
The complete set of small-molecule chemicals found within a biological sample, such as a cell, tissue, or organism, at a specific point in time.
Metabolome is usually technical/scientific in register.
Metabolome: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtæb.ə.ləʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæb.ə.loʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the METABOLome as the final OME (home) for all METABOLites – it's where they all live together.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE METABOLOME IS A SNAPSHOT / FINGERPRINT / DYNAMIC NETWORK.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'metabolome' is most closely related to which field of study?