First Known Use: 1876
Dictionary
catabolism
noun ca·tab·o·lism \kə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm\
Definition of CATABOLISM
: degradative metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials (as proteins or lipids) within the organism — compare anabolism
— cat·a·bol·ic \ˌka-tə-ˈbä-lik\ adjective
— cat·a·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of CATABOLISM
Greek katabolē throwing down, from kataballein to throw down, from kata- + ballein to throw — more at devil
Medical Dictionary
catabolism
noun ca·tab·o·lism
Medical Definition of CATABOLISM
: destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials within the organism—compare anabolism
Variants of CATABOLISM
ca·tab·o·lism also ka·tab·o·lism \kə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm\
Learn More About CATABOLISM
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