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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical reactions that are involved in catabolism and anabolism.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
There are two types of reactions that accomplish this: anabolism and catabolism.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
The sap of plants is thin and watery, corresponding with the preponderant anabolism of the plant.
From Sex and Society by William I. Thomas
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.
