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

Not only that, the body also breaks down existing muscle through a process called catabolism.

From Salon

Other aroma compounds are the result of catabolism, the breaking-down of a large molecule into a smaller one.

From Washington Post

Variable functions that are restricted to a species or strain — including pathogenicity islands, vitamin and drug catabolism, motility and nutrient transporters — are possible targets for personalized diets and therapeutic strategies.

From Nature

In many cases, the accumulation of fuel and fuel precursors in an oxygenated environment will promote the proliferation of contaminating organisms, making crop protection strategies paramount to prevent catabolism of the secreted products.

From Nature

Every centre of catabolism is therefore a positive pole of diffusion.

From Project Gutenberg