catabolism

American  

[kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm] / kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Biology, 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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catabolism British  

/ ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk, 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

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catabolism Scientific  

/ kə-tăb′ə-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.

2. Compare anabolism

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catabolism Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Other Word Forms

• catabolic
  adjective
• catabolically
  adverb
• hypercatabolism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of catabolism

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

Compare meaning

How does catabolism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• catabolism vs. metabolism
• catabolism vs. anabolism

Example Sentences

Catabolism is the process by which larger more complex substances are broken down into smaller simpler molecules.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013