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
Words nearby basal metabolism
basal granule,
basal joint reflex,
basal lamina,
basal layer,
basal metabolic rate,
basal metabolism,
basal reader,
basal ridge,
basal rod,
basal vein,
basal-cell nevus syndrome
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.