definitions

catabolism

[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uh m ]
/ kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR catabolism ON THESAURUS.COM

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).

RELATED WORDS

sinking, reversed, inverted, deteriorating, receding, declining, backward, contrary, inverse

Nearby words

cata-, catabaptist, catabasis, catabiotic, catabolic, catabolism, catabolite, catabolite gene activator protein, catabolize, catacaustic, catachresis

Origin of catabolism

1875–80; < Greek katabol(ḗ) a throwing down (kata- cata- + bolḗ a throw; compare katabállein to throw down) + -ism
Related formscat·a·bol·ic [kat-uh-bol-ik] /ˌkæt əˈbɒl ɪk/, adjectivecat·a·bol·i·cal·ly, adverbhy·per·ca·tab·o·lism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for catabolic

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 Formscatabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk), adjectivecatabolically or katabolically, adverb

Word 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

Medicine definitions for catabolic

catabolism

[ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]

n.

The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.
Related formscat′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.

Science definitions for catabolic

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.
Related formscatabolic adjective
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for catabolic

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.