Definition of metabolism:

• the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals
• The series of chemical changes which take place in an organism, by means of which food is manufactured and utilized and waste materials are eliminated.
• The sum of chemical changes that occur within the tissues of an organism consisting of anabolism ( BIOSYNTHESIS) and catabolism; the buildup and breakdown of molecules for utilization by the body.
• Tissue- change, the sum of the chemical changes whereby the function of nutrition is effected; it consists of anabolism, or the constructive or assimilative changes, and catabolism, or the destructive or retrograde changes.
• Progressive tissue change.
• The process by which, on the one hand, food is built up into living material, and, on the other, living matter is broken up and decomposed.
• [ Greek] The chemical change, constructive and destructive, occurring in living organisms.

Usage examples for metabolism

1. 2. The metabolism in pellagra shows certain definite changes from the normal, which point to decreased gastric secretion and increased intestinal putrefaction.  The Vitamine Manual by Walter H. Eddy

2. The secretion of the gland is absorbed into the general circulation through the veins; it consists of a complex colloid substance which contains an iodine- albumin- iodothyrin- and plays an important part in maintaining the normal metabolism of the body, particularly of the central nervous and cutaneous tissues in adults, and of the bones in children.  Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition. by Alexander Miles Alexis Thomson