basal metabolism

noun Physiology.

1. the minimal amount of energy necessary to maintain respiration, circulation, and other vital body functions while fasting and at total rest.

noun

1. the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the bloodSee basal metabolic rate

n.

1. The minimum amount of energy required to maintain vital functions in an organism at complete rest, measured by the basal metabolic rate in a fasting individual.

The rate at which an inactive, resting organism expends energy.