anabolism

n. synthesis of simple matter into more complex substances, process by which food is transformed into tissue (in plants and animals)

Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. These reactions require energy. One way of categorizing metabolic processes, whether at the cellular, organ or organism level is as 'anabolic' or 'catabolic', which is the opposite. Anabolism is powered by catabolism, where large molecules are broken down into smaller parts and then used up in respiration. Many anabolic processes are powered by adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
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Noun
1. synthesis of more complex substances from simpler ones
(synonym) constructive metabolism
(antonym) catabolism, katabolism, dissimilation, destructive metabolism
(hypernym) organic process, biological process
(part-holonym) metabolism, metabolic process, metastasis

(n.)
The constructive metabolism of the body, as distinguished from katabolism.
  

noun
process of building up complex chemical substances on the basis of simpler ones
QUOTE:insulin, secreted by the islets of Langerhans, is the body's major anabolic hormone, regulating the metabolism of all body fuels and substrates Nursing Times