1. The complex of physical and chemical processes occurring within a living cell
or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life. In metabolism some
substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances,
necessary for life, are synthesized.
2. The functioning of a specific substance within the living body: water metabolism;
iodine metabolism.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third
Edition Copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version
licensed from Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products N.V., further reproduction
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