Metabolism

[mɪ'tæbəlɪz(ə)m] or [mɛ'tæbəlɪzəm]

Definition

(noun.) the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life.

Typed by Allan--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The act or process, by which living tissues or cells take up and convert into their own proper substance the nutritive material brought to them by the blood, or by which they transform their cell protoplasm into simpler substances, which are fitted either for excretion or for some special purpose, as in the manufacture of the digestive ferments. Hence, metabolism may be either constructive (anabolism), or destructive (katabolism).

Checked by Desmond

Definition

n. a general term for the chemical changes of living matter: retrograde metamorphosis catabolism: complete metamorphosis as in Diptera &c.—adj. Metabol′ic undergoing complete metamorphosis: polymorphic: exhibiting metabolism.—v.t. Metab′olise.

Checked by Edwin