CATABOLISM

 Dictionary entry overview: What does catabolism mean? 

• CATABOLISM (noun)
  The noun CATABOLISM has 1 sense:

1. breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy

  Familiarity information: CATABOLISM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CATABOLISM (noun)

Meaning:

Breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones together with release of energy

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

catabolism; destructive metabolism; katabolism; dissimilation

Hypernyms ("catabolism" is a kind of...):

biological process; organic process (a process occurring in living organisms)

Holonyms ("catabolism" is a part of...):

metabolic process; metabolism; metastasis (the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life)

Antonym:

anabolism (the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances (e.g., living tissue) from simpler ones together with the storage of energy)