catabolism
noun
ca·tab·o·lism
kə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm 
: 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
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
And third, the drug increases the number of LDL cholesterol receptors on cell surfaces, ultimately increasing the catabolism, or metabolic breakdown, of LDL cholesterol.
—Brad Reisfeld, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2023
Regardless of an organism’s energy source, its metabolism is a balance of catabolism, breaking energy down into usable units, and anabolism, using those units for vital building projects such as bone growth.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2017
Dantas now sees antibiotic catabolism as just another part of this bigger survival game.
—Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2018
Vitamin B12 is required for protein catabolism and muscle growth.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022
Collins Y F, McSweeney P L H and Wilkinson M G (2004), Lipolysis and catabolism of fatty acids in cheese.
—Ashton Yoon, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2017
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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
And third, the drug increases the number of LDL cholesterol receptors on cell surfaces, ultimately increasing the catabolism, or metabolic breakdown, of LDL cholesterol.
—Brad Reisfeld, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2023
Regardless of an organism’s energy source, its metabolism is a balance of catabolism, breaking energy down into usable units, and anabolism, using those units for vital building projects such as bone growth.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2017
Dantas now sees antibiotic catabolism as just another part of this bigger survival game.
—Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, 20 Aug. 2018
Vitamin B12 is required for protein catabolism and muscle growth.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022
Collins Y F, McSweeney P L H and Wilkinson M G (2004), Lipolysis and catabolism of fatty acids in cheese.
—Ashton Yoon, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near catabolism
Cite this Entry
“Catabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catabolism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catabolism
noun
ca·tab·o·lism
kə-ˈtab-ə-ˌliz-əm
: 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
variants
also katabolism
: destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials within the organism compare anabolism
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