catabolism
[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]
/ kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /
noun Biology, Physiology.
destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism).
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Origin of catabolism
OTHER WORDS FROM catabolism
cat·a·bol·ic [kat-uh-bol-ik], /ˌkæt əˈbɒl ɪk/, adjectivecat·a·bol·i·cal·ly, adverbhy·per·ca·tab·o·lism, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for catabolism
catabolism
katabolism
/ (kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolismCompare anabolism
Derived forms of catabolism
catabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk), adjectivecatabolically or katabolically, adverbWord Origin for catabolism
C19 katabolism, from Greek katabolē a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down + ballein to throw
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for catabolism
catabolism
[ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]
n.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.
Other words from catabolism
cat′a•bol′ic (kăt′ə-bŏl′ĭk) adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for catabolism
catabolism
[ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]
The phase of metabolism in which energy, in the form of ATP, is produced by the breakdown of complex molecules, such as starches, proteins and fats, into simpler ones. Compare anabolism.
Other words from catabolism
catabolic adjectiveThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for catabolism
catabolism
Biochemical reactions that break down molecules in metabolism. Molecules may be broken down to gain their energy or to prepare them for disposal from the body. (Compare anabolism.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.