a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism
Compare anabolism
Derived forms
catabolic or katabolic (ˌkætəˈbɒlɪk)
adjective
catabolically (ˌcataˈbolically) or katabolically (ˌkataˈbolically)
adverb
Word origin
C19 katabolism, from Greek katabolē a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down + ballein to throw
catabolism in American English
(kəˈtæbəˌlɪzəm)
noun
the process in a plant or animal by which living tissue is changed into energy andwaste products of a simpler chemical composition; destructive metabolism
see also anabolism
Derived forms
catabolic (ˌcataˈbolic) (ˌkætəˈbɑlɪk)
adjective
catabolically (ˌcataˈbolically)
adverb
Word origin
< cata- + Gr bolē, a throw < ballein, to throw (see ball2) + -ism