Katabolism
Ka*tab"o*lism\, n. [Gr. ? down + ? to throw.] (Physiol.) Destructive or downward metabolism; regressive metamorphism; -- opposed to anabolism. See Disassimilation.| katabolism | |
noun | |
| breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy [syn: catabolism] [ant: anabolism] |