Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » catabolism

catabolism

(kə tab′ə liz′əm)

noun

the process in a plant or animal by which living tissue is changed into energy and waste products of a simpler chemical composition; destructive metabolism

Origin: < cata- + Gr bolē, a throw < ballein, to throw (see ball) + -ism

Related Forms:

catabolic adjective
catabolically adverb

See catabolism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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

Origin:

Origin: cata-

Origin: + (meta)bolism

Related Forms:

catˌa·bolˈic (kătˌə-bŏlˈĭk) adjective

catˌa·bolˈi·cal·ly adverb

Learn more about catabolism

catabolism Culture

catabolism medical definition

catabolism science

catabolism in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD