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 metabolic rate: The amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state. Humans: Work, Energy, and Power Our own bodies, like all living organisms, are energy conversion machines.