HealthAugust 26, 2026

metabolites

muh-TAB-uh-lights

Definition

Chemical substances formed in the body as a product of metabolism, specifically referring here to the compounds produced when the body breaks down nicotine and e-liquid components.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'metabole' meaning 'change.' It entered English through the German term 'Metabolit,' referring to any substance involved in the process of organic metabolism.

In the news

The researchers recommend future studies investigate how specific e-liquid additives and their metabolites affect brain function, as these byproducts may play a role in nicotine-seeking behavior.

Early Nicotine Vapor Exposure Increases Nicotine Seeking Later in Life, UTEP Study Finds

Read the full article ↗

The University of Texas at El Paso - UTEP

Related words

audiometry

The measurement of the range and sensitivity of a person's sense of hearing.

Health

azithromycin

A specific type of antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, which is…

Health

cefixime

A broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Health

clavulanate

A chemical compound often paired with antibiotics like amoxicillin to inhibit bacterial…

Health

cytometry

The technical process of measuring the physical and chemical characteristics of cells,…

Health

destigmatizing

The act of removing negative associations, shame, or social disapproval from a specific…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.