basal metabolism


noun Physiology.

the minimal amount of energy necessary to maintain respiration, circulation, and other vital body functions while fasting and at total rest.

Origin of basal metabolism

First recorded in 1910–15

British Dictionary definitions for basal metabolism

basal metabolism

noun

the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the blood See basal metabolic rate

Medical definitions for basal metabolism

basal metabolism

n.

The minimum amount of energy required to maintain vital functions in an organism at complete rest, measured by the basal metabolic rate in a fasting individual.

Cultural definitions for basal metabolism

basal metabolism
[ (bay-suhl, bay-zuhl muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm) ]

The rate at which an inactive, resting organism expends energy.