beta-oxidation

noun

be·​ta-ox·​i·​da·​tion ˈbā-tə-ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

: stepwise catabolism of fatty acids in which 2-carbon fragments are successively removed from the carboxyl end of the chain

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

beta-oxidation

noun

be·​ta-ox·​i·​da·​tion ˈbāt-ə-ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən, chiefly British ˈbē-tə- 

: stepwise catabolism of fatty acids in which 2-carbon fragments are successively removed from the carboxyl end of the chain