Energy metabolism is the process by which the body turns food into the energy needed for daily activities. There are various synonyms for this term, such as biochemical energy conversion, catabolism, cellular respiration, and energy transformation. These terms all refer to the processes through which chemical energy is stored and released within the cells of the body, to provide the energy needed for a variety of functions including movement, digestion, and growth. Understanding the various synonyms of energy metabolism may be useful in enhancing comprehension when studying biology, physiology, or biochemistry. By grasping the concepts which these alternative terms refer to, one can gain a deeper understanding of how life is sustained through energy transformation.