Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

metabolic rate, basal
See 
basal metabolic
rate.
metabolism
The whole range of biochemical
processes that occur within a living organism.
Metabolism consists of anabolism (the buildup of
substances) and catabolism (the breakdown of sub-
stances). The term metabolism is commonly used to
refer specifically to the breakdown of food and its
transformation into energy.
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metabolism
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metabolism, inborn error of
See 
metabolic
disease.
metacarpal
One of the five cylindrical bones that
extend from the wrist to the fingers.
metaphase chromosome
A chromosome in the
stage of its cell life in which it is most condensed
and easiest to see separately. Because metaphase
chromosomes are easier to study than others, they
are often chosen for karyotyping and chromosome
analysis.
metastases, meningeal
See 
meningitis, neo-
plastic.
metastasis 1
The spread of cancerous cells from
one part of the body to another. The cells may be
carried by the lymphatic system or in the blood.
Cells that have metastasized are like those in the
original (primary) tumor. For example, if the can-
cer begins in the stomach and spreads to the lung,
the cancer cells in the lung are metastatic stomach
cancer cells. 
2
A collection of tumor cells that has
spread. The plural of metastasis is metastases.
metastasize
The process cancer cells go through
in spreading from one part of the body to another.
See also 
metastasis.