Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Will'. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. . 1997.
see metabolic rate. basal metabolism. the minimal energy expended for the maintenance of respiration, circulation, peristalsis, muscle tonus, body temperature, glandular activity and the other vegetative functions of the body. See also metabolic rate.
Your Basal Metabolic Rate is the number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest, also known as your metabolism. Anything that results in an increase to your metabolic rate will increase your BMR.