anabolic

adjective

an·​a·​bol·​ic ˌa-nə-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce anabolic (audio)
: marked by or promoting metabolic activity concerned with the biosynthesis of complex molecules (such as proteins or nucleic acids) : relating to, characterized by, or stimulating anabolism
anabolic agents
anabolic therapy to promote bone formation
If the anabolic and catabolic processes are in balance, tissue remains intact and good health is sustained. But if the rate of decay is only a little faster than the rate of repair, there is a net loss of healthy tissue …Paul Clayton
see also anabolic steroid

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anabolic was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near anabolic

Cite this Entry

“Anabolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anabolic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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