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Glite Dictionary
katabolism

katabolism

9.9
Breaking large chemicals in the body into small parts to release energy
  • noun
  • /kəˈtæbəlɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : catabolismo
  • The study focused on the katabolism of carbohydrates in cellular metabolism.

Examples

  • During katabolism, complex molecules are broken down.

  • The process of katabolism is essential for releasing energy in living organisms.

  • During fasting, katabolism helps provide the body with energy by breaking down stored molecules.

  • Intense exercise can increase katabolism in muscle tissue.

  • The process of katabolism is essential for energy release.

  • During fasting, katabolism helps provide the body with energy by breaking down stored molecules.

  • Intense exercise can increase katabolism in muscle tissue.

Synonyms

breakdown
vskatabolism
  • Specialized
19 4.1

A process in which a substance is broken into simpler parts by chemicals or living things

focuses on living organisms and energy release during biochemical reactions
catabolism
vskatabolism
  • Specialized
1 8.1

The breaking down of complex substances into simpler ones that releases energy

is the alternative spelling for the identical breakdown process
destructive metabolism
vskatabolism
  • Specialized
5.4

The process that breaks down food and body tissue to release energy

is the neutral scientific term without negative or emotive wording
dissimilation
vskatabolism
  • Archaic
9.7

Cells break down complex substances to release energy

implies the breakdown always releases energy as part of the process

Surface Forms

katabolism singular
katabolisms plural

Morphology

katabolism = catabolic (opaque) = katabol + ism

The combining form 'katabol-' is not a standalone English word and the term is a specialized biological noun, so knowledge of common English bases will not reliably allow a learner to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Katabolism comes from Greek parts kata- meaning 'down' and -ballein meaning 'to throw', so it suggests 'throwing down' or breaking things into smaller parts. That's why katabolism is the process where the body breaks complex substances into simpler ones and so releases energy, and it is the opposite of anabolism ('up' + 'build').