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catabolism

Syllabification: (ca·tab·o·lism)
Pronunciation: /kəˈtabəˌlizəm/

Definition of catabolism

noun

Biology
  • the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.

Derivatives

catabolic

Pronunciation: /ˌkatəˈbälik/

adjective

catabolize

Pronunciation: /-ˌlīz/

verb

Origin:

late 19th century: from Greek katabolē 'throwing down', from kata- 'down' + ballein 'to throw'

catabolism in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of catabolism in the British & World English dictionary

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