: degradative metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials (such as proteins or lipids) within the organism compare anabolism

Examples of catabolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The combination of muscle catabolism and electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle weakness, aches, cramps, twitches, and spasms. Forest Miller, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024 Caffeine, magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc supplements help to promote fat catabolism, strengthen muscular function and protein synthesis, provide long-term energy, and support acid-base balance. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

earlier katabolism, from kata- cata- + (meta)bolism

Note: The term was promulgated, if not initiated, by the British physiologist Walter Holbrook Gaskell (1847-1914) in the article "On the structure, distribution and function of the nerves which innervate the visceral and vascular systems," Journal of Physiology, vol. 7, issue 1 (January, 1886), p. 46: "When a tissue such as a muscle is said to be at rest we know that in reality a continual interchange of material or metabolism is all the time taking place, the condition of equilibrium which we denote by the term rest being brought about by the counterbalancing of the two opposite processes of constructive and destructive metabolism, or as Hering has called them of assimilation and dissimilation. In other words metabolism includes the two opposite processes of destruction and construction, or as they may be called of katabolism and anabolism …We can therefore with justice speak of the motor nerve of a muscle as the katabolic nerve of that tissue …."

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catabolism was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Catabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catabolism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

catabolism

noun
: metabolism that breaks down complex materials within living plants and animals and usually involves the release of energy and formation of waste products

Medical Definition

catabolism

noun
ca·​tab·​o·​lism
: destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials within the organism compare anabolism

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