anabolic

[ an-uh-bol-ik ]

adjectiveBiology, Physiology.

involving or stimulating the building of complex substances from simpler ones as part of the process of metabolism in living organisms (opposed to catabolic): These three essential amino acids have a strong anabolic effect, driving protein synthesis to build muscle.

Origin of anabolic

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek anabol(ḗ) “a throwing upward,” equivalent to ana- ana- + bolḗ “a throw” (compare anabállein “to throw up”) + -ic

Other words from anabolic

an·a·bol·i·cal·ly, adverb
hy·per·an·a·bol·ic, adjective

Words Nearby anabolic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anabolic in a sentence

Hooton said that the foundation would continue reaching out to young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids.
A-Rod Let Us Down | Ben Jacobs | August 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He cited statistics that “over a million kids admit to using anabolic steroids in middle school and high school.”
A-Rod Let Us Down | Ben Jacobs | August 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
anabolic steroids, hailing from the world of male sex hormones—androgens like testosterone—are the second PED.
Where Were the Doctors to Testify at Roger Clemens’s Perjury Trial? | Kent Sepkowitz | June 20, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
The owner of anabolic had paid a pretty penny for this location.
Aurora Snow: Inside the L.A. Coliseum Porno | Aurora Snow | May 31, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
As stated by its authors the theory is, that the female is everywhere "anabolic," as compared with the male, which is "katabolic."
Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume II (of 3) | George John Romanes

Superficial sociologists have taunted woman with being "more anabolic or plant-like" than man, but I count it her second glory.
Atlantic Classics | Various
For money is the sinews of anabolic and Katabolic warfare also.
Gray youth | Oliver Onions
anabolic: the constructive change from food material to animal tissue: see katabolic.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology | John. B. Smith
Katabolic: the destructive change from animal tissue to waste product: see anabolic.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology | John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for anabolic

anabolic

/ (ˌænəˈbɒlɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to anabolism

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

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