Real Dictionary

metabolism
a flow or discharge [...]
a side view, outline, or representation of an object, esp of a human face or head [...]
a unit of heredity composed of DNA occupying a fixed position on a chromosome (some viral genes are composed of RNA). A gene may determine a characteristic of an individual by specifying a polypeptide chain that forms a protein or part of a protein (struc
adjustments [...]
an interconnected group or system [...]
any of a group of complex proteins or conjugated proteins that are produced by living cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions [...]
special emphasis or significance attached to something [...]
the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc ( mechanical engineering), buildings, bridges, roads, etc ( civil engineering), electrical machines and communication systems (el
the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etc [...]
Your metabolism is the way that chemical processes in your body cause food to be used in an efficient way, for example to make new cells and to give you energy.

metabolism in American English
the chemical and physical processes continuously going on in living organisms and cells, consisting of anabolism and catabolism
noun: the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available

metabolism in British English
noun: the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etc