catabolism

American  

[kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm] / kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Biology, Physiology.

1. destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (anabolism ).

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catabolism British  

/ ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk, kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism Compare anabolism

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catabolism Scientific  

/ kə-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. 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.

2. Compare anabolism

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catabolism Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Other Word Forms

• catabolic adjective
• catabolically adverb
• hypercatabolism noun

Etymology

Origin of catabolism

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek katabol(ḗ) “a throwing down,” equivalent to kata- prefix meaning “down, against, back” ( cata- ) + bolḗ “a throw”; compare katabállein “to throw down”) + -ism

Compare meaning

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

• catabolism vs. metabolism
• catabolism vs. anabolism

Example Sentences

In the plant, then, lysine gets converted to pipecolic acid, and then this enzyme converts it to P6C, or Δ1-piperideine-6-carboxylic acid, yet another step in the lysine catabolism pathway.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

Glucose catabolism pathways are sequential and lead to the production of ATP.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Triglycerides can be both made and broken down through parts of the glucose catabolism pathways.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids connect with the pathways of glucose catabolism.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

With a normal catabolism, Gabbleism and babbleism, Snip, Snap, Snorum, Cut out his abdonorum.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White