METABOLISM

Noun10 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble METABOLISM

Quick definition

METABOLISM is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert nutrients into energy and building blocks for growth and maintenance.

Is METABOLISM a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. METABOLISM is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 16 points in Scrabble, 20 in Words With Friends and 17 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterMETABOLISMTotal
Scrabble311131111316
Words With Friends411141211420
Wordfeud311141111317

Definition and meaning

METABOLISM encompasses all the biochemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes allow organisms to grow and reproduce, maintain their structures, and respond to environmental changes. Metabolism is divided into two categories: catabolism (breaking down molecules to obtain energy) and anabolism (synthesizing compounds needed by cells). The rate of metabolism varies among individuals and is influenced by factors including age, sex, muscle mass, and physical activity. Key metabolic processes: Basal metabolism: Energy expenditure at rest for essential functions Carbohydrate metabolism: Processing sugars and starches for energy Lipid metabolism: Breaking down and synthesizing fats Protein metabolism: Processing amino acids for various cellular functions

METABOLISM in a sentence

  • Regular exercise helps boost your metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Her fast metabolism allowed her to eat more without gaining weight.
  • The medication affected his metabolism, causing unexpected side effects.

Synonyms

  • BiochemistryChemical processes in organisms
  • DigestionBreaking down food
  • ConversionTransformation process
  • AnabolismBuilding up molecules
  • CatabolismBreaking down molecules
  • EnzymeMetabolic catalyst
  • ATPEnergy currency of cells

Word forms

  • Adjective Form: metabolic
  • Verb Form: metabolize

Origin

The word metabolism comes from Greek metabolē, meaning "change" or "transformation." This combines meta- (change, after) + ballein (to throw), literally meaning "to throw change." The term was first used in a biological context by German physiologist Theodor Schwann in 1839, though the Greek word had been used earlier to mean "change" in general. The modern biochemical understanding of metabolism developed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The suffix -ism indicates a process or condition, making metabolism literally "the process of change" - perfectly capturing how organisms transform matter and energy.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside METABOLISM

Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of METABOLISM.

Hooks: no front hooks; back METABOLISMS.

Words inside METABOLISM: 628 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: EMBOLISMEMBALMSIMBALMSIMMOLATESMAMBOESBALMIESTBIMETALSEMBALMIMBALMIMMOLATELAMBIESTMALMIEST. See all words from METABOLISM.

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