Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

catabolic

 - 6 dictionary results

ca⋅tab⋅o⋅lism

  [kuh-tab-uh-liz-uhm]
Use catabolic in a Sentence
–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 ).
Origin:
1875–80; < Gk katabol() a throwing down (kata- cata- + bol a throw; cf. katabállein to throw down) + -ism

Related forms:
cat⋅a⋅bol⋅ic  [kat-uh-bol-ik] , adjective
cat⋅a⋅bol⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To catabolic
ca·tab·o·lism   (kə-tāb'ə-lĭz'əm)   
n.  The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.

[cata- + (meta)bolism.]
cat'a·bol'ic (kāt'ə-bŏl'ĭk) adj., cat'a·bol'i·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

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.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: cat·a·bol·ic
Variant: also kat·a·bol·ic /"kat-&-'bäl-ik/
Function: adjective
: of or relating to catabolism —cat·a·bol·i·cal·ly /-i-k(&-)lE/ adverb

Main Entry: ca·tab·o·lism
Variant: also ka·tab·o·lism /k&-'tab-&-"liz-&m/
Function: noun
: destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials within the organism —compare ANABOLISM
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

catabolism ca·tab·o·lism (kə-tāb'ə-lĭz'əm)
n.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.

cat'a·bol'ic (kāt'ə-bŏl'ĭk) adj.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see catabolic on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way