anabolism
Americannoun
noun
-
The phase of metabolism in which complex molecules, such as the proteins and fats that make up body tissue, are formed from simpler ones.
-
Compare catabolism
Discover More
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of anabolism
First recorded in 1885–90; ana- + (meta)bolism
Compare meaning
How does anabolism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Vocabulary lists containing anabolism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A number of intermediate compounds of the citric acid cycle can be diverted into the anabolism of other biochemical molecules, such as nonessential amino acids, sugars, and lipids.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
There are two types of reactions that accomplish this: anabolism and catabolism.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
Both anabolism and catabolism occur simultaneously and continuously to keep you alive.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
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
We may thus regard every centre of anabolism as a negative pole of diffusion.
From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane
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.
