catabolism
destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism).
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Origin of catabolism
1Other words from catabolism
- cat·a·bol·ic [kat-uh-bol-ik], /ˌkæt əˈbɒl ɪk/, adjective
- hy·per·ca·tab·o·lism, noun
Words Nearby catabolism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use catabolism in a sentence
People’s food intake often slumps when they are sent home, but with inflammation and catabolism resolving, it’s when protein and other nutritional interventions, as well as physical activity, are likely to be especially effective.
Increasing protein intake could help patients recover from the ICU | Alla Katnelson/Undark | August 25, 2021 | Popular-ScienceDuring muscle catabolism, proteins stored in muscle tissue are broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids and energy is released.
Increasing protein intake could help patients recover from the ICU | Alla Katnelson/Undark | August 25, 2021 | Popular-ScienceIn this way, anabolism and catabolism exist in balance with each other and are the ying and the yang of metabolism.
In catabolism, cells break down those large molecules to release energy and dispose of waste.
The processes concerned in metabolism are chiefly those of building up, “anabolism,” and breaking down, “catabolism.”
Dietetics for Nurses | Fairfax T. Proudfit
In catabolism, the worn particles from the cells, and the dead cells no longer useful are broken up and thrown out of the body.
Dietetics for Nurses | Fairfax T. ProudfitThe essence of inflammation would appear to be destructive dis-assimilation with intense catabolism.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducSimilar considerations as to the formation and breaking up of the molecules in anabolism and catabolism apply to polymerization.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane LeducConsider, on the other hand, a centre of catabolism, where the molecules are being broken up into fragments or smaller groups.
The Mechanism of Life | Stphane Leduc
British Dictionary definitions for catabolism
katabolism
/ (kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm) /
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism: Compare anabolism
Origin of catabolism
1Derived forms of catabolism
- catabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk), adjective
- catabolically or katabolically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for 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 adjective
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for 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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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