catabolism

[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]
See synonyms for: catabolismcatabolic on Thesaurus.com

nounBiology, Physiology.
  1. 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

1
First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek katabol(ḗ) “a throwing down,” equivalent to kata- prefix meaning “down, against, back” (see cata-) + bolḗ “a throw”; compare katabállein “to throw down”) + -ism

Other 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

  • 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. Proudfit
  • The essence of inflammation would appear to be destructive dis-assimilation with intense catabolism.

    The Mechanism of Life | Stphane Leduc
  • Similar considerations as to the formation and breaking up of the molecules in anabolism and catabolism apply to polymerization.

    The Mechanism of Life | Stphane Leduc
  • Consider, 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

catabolism

katabolism

/ (kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm) /


noun
  1. 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

1
C19 katabolism, from Greek katabolē a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down + ballein to throw

Derived 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

catabolism

[ kə-tăbə-lĭz′əm ]


  1. 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

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.