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.
basal metabolism - the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state. catabolism, destructive metabolism, katabolism, dissimilation - breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy.