Catabolism

n. (Biology) metabolic breakdown of complex materials into simpler materials which results in the release of energy (also katabolism)

For the related metabolic process, see anabolism. Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units and release energy. In catabolism, large molecules such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, nucleic acids and proteins are broken down into smaller units such as monosaccharides, fatty acids, nucleotides and amino acids, respectively. As molecules such as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids are made from long chains of these small monomer units, the large molecules are called polymers.
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Noun
1. breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy
(synonym) katabolism, dissimilation, destructive metabolism
(antonym) anabolism, constructive metabolism
(hypernym) organic process, biological process
(part-holonym) metabolism, metabolic process, metastasis
(derivation) catabolize, catabolise

catabolism

Synonyms and related words:
assimilation, avatar, basal metabolism, catalysis, consubstantiation, displacement, heterotopia, metabolism, metagenesis, metamorphism, metamorphosis, metastasis, metathesis, metempsychosis, mutant, mutated form, mutation, permutation, reincarnation, sport, transanimation, transfiguration, transfigurement, transformation, transformism, translation, translocation, transmigration, transmogrification, transmutation, transposition, transubstantiation,