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1. The breaking down in the body of complex chemical compounds into simpler ones ( e.g., glycogen to CO2 and H2O), often accompanied by the liberation of energy. 2. The sum of all degradative processes. SYN: dissimilation (2). Cf.:anabolism, metabolism. [G. katabole, a casting down]
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ca·tab·o·lism also ka·tab·o·lism kə-'tab-ə-.liz-əm n destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials within the organism compare ANABOLISM
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n.
the chemical decomposition of complex substances by the body to form simpler ones, accompanied by the release of energy. The substances broken down include nutrients in food (carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) as well as the body's storage products (such as glycogen). See also metabolism.
• catabolic adj.
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ca·tab·o·lism (kə-tabґo-liz-əm) [Gr. katabolē a throwing down] any destructive metabolic process by which organisms convert substances into excreted compounds. catabolic adjMedical dictionary. 2011.