catabolism
Americannoun
noun
-
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 Word Forms
Etymology
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
Compare meaning
How does catabolism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Vocabulary lists containing catabolism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Triglycerides can be both made and broken down through parts of the glucose catabolism pathways.
From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022
Most of the ATP generated during the aerobic catabolism of glucose, however, is not generated directly from these pathways.
From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013
The electron transport chain is the portion of aerobic respiration that uses free oxygen as the final electron acceptor for electrons removed from the intermediate compounds in 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
