/meuh tab"euh liz'euhm/ , n.
1. Biol. , Physiol. the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available. Cf. anabolism, catabolism .
2. any basic process of organic functioning or operating: changes in the country's economic metabolism.
[ 1875-80; metabol ( é ) change ( meta- META- + bolé a throw) + -ISM ]