# metabolic

/ˌmɛtəˈbɑɫɪk/ (US) · /mˌɛtəbˈɒlɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metabolic
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. relating to metabolism

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the way your body uses food and oxygen to create energy.

For teachers: pertaining to the chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life.

- Exercise can help increase your metabolic rate, which means you burn more calories.
- The patient was diagnosed with a metabolic disorder that prevented his body from correctly processing certain types of proteins found in dairy.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'metabolic rate' or 'metabolic process'.

### 2. relating to change

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

relating to a big change in form, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

For teachers: relating to or involving metamorphosis or structural change.

- The insect goes through several metabolic stages before it becomes an adult.
- The study tracked the metabolic transformations of the larvae as they transitioned through various instars toward pupation.

Usage: Primarily used in biology and entomology to describe physical development.

### 3. a supplement

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a pill or powder you take to help your body's energy levels.

For teachers: a nutritional or dietary supplement intended to influence the body's chemical processes.

- He started taking a new metabolic to help him lose weight faster.
- The athlete was cautioned against using unregulated metabolics that might contain substances banned by the anti-doping agency.

Teaching tip: This noun use is quite niche and mostly found in fitness or bodybuilding communities; 'supplement' is the standard term.

## Examples

- Regular exercise can help increase your metabolic rate.
- Doctors monitored his metabolic health to see how his body processed sugar after the new treatment.
- The study explores how certain environmental toxins can disrupt metabolic pathways, potentially leading to long-term hormonal imbalances and weight gain in affected populations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.