anabolic

American  

[an-uh-bol-ik] / ˌæn əˈbɒl ɪk /

adjective

Biology, Physiology.

1. 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.

---

anabolic British  

/ ˌænəˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to anabolism

---

Other Word Forms

• hyperanabolic
  adjective
• anabolically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of anabolic

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anabolic

Many medications can also lower levels, including opioids, anabolic steroids and glucosteroids, used to treat many inflammatory conditions, as well as treatments such as chemotherapy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Nandrolone is an anabolic steroid used to treat anemia and osteoporosis - a disease from which bones become fragile.

From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2024

For female samples, however, the amount of force applied did not influence the level of anabolic gene expression.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2023

This is a metabolic process, but is neither anabolic nor catabolic.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

I was trying to think of another one when we all three simultaneously saw the human-shaped container of anabolic steroids known as Chuck Parson walking toward us with some intent.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green