metabolize

verb

me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce metabolize (audio)
metabolized; metabolizing

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism
metabolizable adjective

Examples of metabolize in a Sentence

Food is metabolized by the body.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This could be due to how iron is metabolized, related to diet and access to iron-rich foods, or other factors such as inflammation that could impact iron levels. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025 These molecules can bind to and inactivate an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4 that helps metabolize certain drugs. Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025 Quantifying the risk of dyes Some animal studies have shown that dyes are metabolized quickly and excreted in the urine within hours or days after consumption. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 Taking a medication that lowers cholesterol, such as statins, may impact the natural creation of vitamin D. Statins and vitamin D are also metabolized (broken down) by the same liver enzyme, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for metabolize

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ize

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of metabolize was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Metabolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolize. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

metabolize

verb
me·​tab·​o·​lize mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce metabolize (audio)
metabolized; metabolizing
: to break down by metabolism
food is metabolized by the body

Medical Definition

metabolize

verb
me·​tab·​o·​lize
variants also British metabolise
metabolized also British metabolised; metabolizing also British metabolising

transitive verb

: to subject to metabolism

intransitive verb

: to perform metabolism
metabolizer noun
also British metaboliser

More from Merriam-Webster on metabolize

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