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

• anabolic
  adjective
• hyperanabolism
  noun

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:

• catabolism vs. anabolism

Example Sentences

Anabolism is the process whereby smaller, simpler molecules are combined into larger, more complex substances.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Anabolism, the formation of more complex chemical bodies by the agency of protoplasm, 86.

From The Biological Problem of To-day Preformation Or Epigenesis? The Basis of a Theory of Organic Development by Hertwig, Oscar

Anabolism and katabolism are the two sides of protoplasmic life, and the major rhythms of the respective preponderance of these give the antitheses of growth and multiplication, asexual and sexual reproduction.

From Herbert Spencer by Thomson, J. Arthur (John Arthur)