catabolism

 
Pronunciation: /kəˈtabəlɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass 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: /katəˈbɒlɪk/
adjective

catabolize

Pronunciation: /-ˌlīz/
verb

Origin:

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