anabolism
Americannoun
noun
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The phase of metabolism in which complex molecules, such as the proteins and fats that make up body tissue, are formed from simpler ones.
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Compare catabolism
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Athletes often attempt to improve their performance by speeding up this molecule-building process through the use of drugs called anabolic steroids, despite the potential health risks involved. This use is outlawed in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games.
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Etymology
Origin of anabolism
First recorded in 1885–90; ana- + (meta)bolism
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Vocabulary lists containing anabolism
Example Sentences
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On the other end of the spectrum, anabolism refers to metabolic processes that build complex molecules out of simpler ones, such as the synthesis of macromolecules.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
The cell also must generate a number of intermediate compounds that are used in the anabolism and catabolism of macromolecules.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Figure 24.20 Catabolic and Anabolic Pathways Nutrients follow a complex pathway from ingestion through anabolism and catabolism to energy production.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical reactions that are involved in catabolism and anabolism.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
Pertaining to anabolism; an anabolic changes, or processes, more or less constructive in their nature.
From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Noah Webster
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
