n.
Pronunciation: m ə - ' ta-b ə - ˌ li-z ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek metabol ē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw ― more at DEVIL
Date: 1878
1 a : the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction of protoplasm specifically : the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated b : the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is handled in the living body c : the sum of the metabolic activities taking place in a particular environment <the metabolism of a lake>
2 : METAMORPHOSIS 2 ― usually used in combination <holo metabolism >