metabolite

noun

me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a product of metabolism
2
: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

Examples of metabolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The liver breaks down various forms of vitamin K into metabolites, which are released into the bloodstream. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026 When a radish is cut, bitten, or crushed, its cells are damaged, triggering an enzyme called myrosinase to break down the glucosinolates into various metabolites, including pungent compounds known as isothiocyanates. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 Produced when gut bacteria break apart specific nutrients in food, the metabolite was found to trigger a specific neuroimmune pathway known as the Stimulator of Interferon Genes, or STING. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Kyrgios, 31, provided a sample at June’s Mallorca Championships, which was confirmed to contain a metabolite of cocaine July 17 after testing. — James Hansen, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for metabolite

Word History

Etymology

metabol(ic) or metabol(ism) + -ite entry 1

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of metabolite was in 1877

Rhymes for metabolite

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Browse Nearby Words

metabolism
metabolite
metabolizability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Metabolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metabolite. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

metabolite

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lite mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a substance produced by metabolism
2
: a substance essential to a process of metabolism

Medical Definition

metabolite

noun
me·​tab·​o·​lite -ˌlīt How to pronounce metabolite (audio)
1
: a product of metabolism:
a
: a metabolic waste usually more or less toxic to the organism producing it : excretion
b
: a product of one metabolic process that is essential to another such process in the same organism
c
: a metabolic waste of one organism that is markedly toxic to another : antibiotic
2
: a substance essential to the metabolism of a particular organism or to a particular metabolic process

More from Merriam-Webster on metabolite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metabolite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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