catabolism
[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uh m ]
/ kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /
noun Biology, Physiology.
destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism).
Origin of catabolism
OTHER WORDS FROM catabolism
cat·a·bol·ic [kat-uh-bol-ik] /ˌkæt əˈbɒl ɪk/, adjective cat·a·bol·i·cal·ly, adverb hy·per·ca·tab·o·lism, nounWords nearby catabolism
cat.,
cata-,
catabaptist,
catabasis,
catabiotic,
catabolism,
catabolite,
catabolite gene activator protein,
catabolize,
catacaustic,
catachresis
British Dictionary definitions for catabolic
catabolism
katabolism
/ (kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism
Compare anabolism
Derived forms of catabolism
catabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk), adjective catabolically or katabolically, adverbWord Origin for catabolism
C19
katabolism, from Greek
katabolē a throwing down, from
kataballein, from
kata- down +
ballein to throw
Medical definitions for catabolic
catabolism
[ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]
n.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.
Other words from catabolism
cat′a•bol′ic (kăt′ə-bŏl′ĭk) adj.Scientific definitions for catabolic
catabolism
[ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]
The phase of metabolism in which energy, in the form of ATP, is produced by the breakdown of complex molecules, such as starches, proteins and fats, into simpler ones. Compare anabolism.
Other words from catabolism
catabolic adjectiveCultural definitions for catabolic
catabolism
Biochemical reactions that break down molecules in metabolism. Molecules may be broken down to gain their energy or to prepare them for disposal from the body. (Compare anabolism.)