catabolism
ca·tab·o·lism
noun \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
See Origin of CATABOLISM
Greek katabolē throwing down, from kataballein to throw down, from kata- + ballein to throw — more at devil
First Known Use: 1876
Learn More About CATABOLISM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: catabolite
Previous Word in the Dictionary: catabasis
All Words Near: catabolism
Previous Word in the Dictionary: catabasis
All Words Near: catabolism
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up catabolism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
