adjective

metabolic

met-uh-BAH-lik/ˌmetəˈbɑːlɪk/

Relating to the chemical processes that sustain life in an organism.

Metabolic reactions transform nutrients to support muscle activity and tissue growth.

An adult's forearm and a small cellular inset show nutrient molecules undergoing chemical changes that support muscle activity and tissue building; restrained functional arrows, no magical glow or health advice.

Etymology

metaGreekchange

+bolGreekto throw

+icGreekrelating to

Greek meta- and ballein together formed metaballein, “to change.” The biological sense applies that idea of change to the chemical transformations involved in the body’s energy, growth, and renewal.

In context

Andrew Huberman32:08

we're seeing this small increase in basal metabolic rate, that should lead to increased loss of body fat.

The Science of Eating for Health, Fat Loss & Lean Muscle | Dr. Layne Norton

More examples

The liver plays a central role in many metabolic processes.
Some inherited conditions cause serious metabolic problems.
Cells need nutrients to support their metabolic activity.

Forms

metabolism noun — The chemical processes that keep an organism alive.

metabolize verb — To chemically process substances within an organism.

Similar words

biochemical: Covers chemistry in living things, not specifically metabolic processes.
physiological: Covers bodily functions more broadly, including circulation and movement.