katabolism

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

katabolism
    n 1: breakdown in living organisms of more complex substances
         into simpler ones together with release of energy [syn:
         {catabolism}, {katabolism}, {dissimilation}, {destructive
         metabolism}] [ant: {anabolism}, {constructive metabolism}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Katabolism \Ka*tab"o*lism\, n. [Gr. ? down + ? to throw.]
   (Physiol.)
   Destructive or downward metabolism; regressive metamorphism;
   same as {catabolism} (now the more common spelling); --
   opposed to {anabolism}. See {Disassimilation}.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

catabolism \catabolism\ n.
   the breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones
   with release of energy, in living organisms; destructive or
   downward metabolism; -- a form of metabolism, opposed to
   {anabolism}. See also {Disassimilation}. [Formerly spelled
   {katabolism}.]

   Syn: katabolism, dissimilation, destructive metabolism.
        [WordNet 1.5]

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