anabolism

American  

[uh-nab-uh-liz-uhm] / əˈnæb əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Biology, Physiology.

1. constructive metabolism; the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances from simpler ones (opposed to catabolism).

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anabolism British  

/ əˈnæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a metabolic process in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism Compare catabolism

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anabolism Scientific  

/ ə-năb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. The phase of metabolism in which complex molecules, such as the proteins and fats that make up body tissue, are formed from simpler ones.

2. Compare catabolism

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anabolism Cultural  

1. The chemical reactions that synthesize molecules in metabolism. (Compare catabolism.)

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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

• hyperanabolism
  noun
• anabolic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of anabolism

First recorded in 1885–90; ana- + (meta)bolism

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Compare meaning

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

• catabolism vs. anabolism

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anabolism

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

Metabolism is the sum of all of the chemical reactions that are involved in catabolism and anabolism.

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

Both anabolism and catabolism occur simultaneously and continuously to keep you alive.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

He thinks of the world as an animal organism subject to what are now called anabolism and catabolism.

From The Legacy of Greece Essays By: Gilbert Murray, W. R. Inge, J. Burnet, Sir T. L. Heath, D'arcy W. Thompson, Charles Singer, R. W. Livingston, A. Toynbee, A. E. Zimmern, Percy Gardner, Sir Reginald Blomfield by R.W. Livingstone

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