metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt 

1

: a product of metabolism

2

: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

Examples of metabolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dietary fiber enhances the gut microbiome’s production of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which increase immune cells’ functions. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

In none of these cases was ethanol measured in the fruit nor was ethanol (or its metabolites) confirmed in the animals. —New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024

Which which raises an important question: what happens to them after they are excreted? Disturbingly, pharmaceutical waste and metabolites end up in the water. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

The authors also found that several blood metabolites and blood plasma chemistries were linked with different frequencies. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt 

1

: a substance produced by metabolism

2

: a substance essential to a process of metabolism

Medical Definition

metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite -ˌlīt 

1

: a product of metabolism:

a

: a metabolic waste usually more or less toxic to the organism producing it : excretion

b

: a product of one metabolic process that is essential to another such process in the same organism

c

: a metabolic waste of one organism that is markedly toxic to another : antibiotic

2

: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process