metabolize
To process and transform substances through chemical reactions in the body
Examples
In a meeting
“Understanding how employees metabolize stress helps us design better support systems.”
Over coffee
“I can't metabolize caffeine well, so I avoid coffee after noon.”
Why this word
process
metabolize specifically describes chemical breakdown of substances in living organisms, process is generic
digest
metabolize encompasses all chemical transformations in cells, digest refers only to breaking down food
convert
metabolize is the precise biological term for chemical transformation in cells, convert is general change
Usage tip
Primarily used for biological processes but increasingly used metaphorically for processing experiences or information.
Etymology
Greek: metabole (change, transformation)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main part or event; initial.
replicate
Make an exact copy or repeat a process identically
standardize
Make things uniform or consistent across the board