catabolism

[ kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]

/ kəˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /

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See synonyms for: catabolism / catabolic 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).

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Origin of catabolism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM catabolism

cat·a·bol·ic

[kat-uh-bol-ik], /ˌkæt əˈbɒl ɪk/, adjectivehy·per·ca·tab·o·lism, noun

Words nearby catabolism

cat, cata-, catabaptist, catabasis, catabolic, catabolism, catabolite, catabolize, catacaustic, catachresis, cataclasis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use catabolism in a sentence

People’s food intake often slumps when they are sent home, but with inflammation and catabolism resolving, it’s when protein and other nutritional interventions, as well as physical activity, are likely to be especially effective.
Increasing protein intake could help patients recover from the ICU|Alla Katnelson/Undark|August 25, 2021|Popular-Science
During muscle catabolism, proteins stored in muscle tissue are broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids and energy is released.
Increasing protein intake could help patients recover from the ICU|Alla Katnelson/Undark|August 25, 2021|Popular-Science
In this way, anabolism and catabolism exist in balance with each other and are the ying and the yang of metabolism.
5 Metabolism Myths Debunked|Sarah Whitman-Salkin|August 25, 2009|DAILY BEAST
In catabolism, cells break down those large molecules to release energy and dispose of waste.
5 Metabolism Myths Debunked|Sarah Whitman-Salkin|August 25, 2009|DAILY BEAST

The processes concerned in metabolism are chiefly those of building up, “anabolism,” and breaking down, “catabolism.”
Dietetics for Nurses|Fairfax T. Proudfit
In catabolism, the worn particles from the cells, and the dead cells no longer useful are broken up and thrown out of the body.
Dietetics for Nurses|Fairfax T. Proudfit
The essence of inflammation would appear to be destructive dis-assimilation with intense catabolism.
The Mechanism of Life|Stphane Leduc
Similar considerations as to the formation and breaking up of the molecules in anabolism and catabolism apply to polymerization.
The Mechanism of Life|Stphane Leduc
Consider, on the other hand, a centre of catabolism, where the molecules are being broken up into fragments or smaller groups.
The Mechanism of Life|Stphane Leduc

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, 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

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 adjective

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.)

catabolism

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Origin of catabolism

OTHER WORDS FROM catabolism

Words nearby catabolism

Words related to catabolism

How to use catabolism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for catabolism

katabolism

Derived forms of catabolism

Word Origin for catabolism

Scientific definitions for catabolism

Other words from catabolism

Cultural definitions for catabolism