anabolic

American  

[an-uh-bol-ik] / ˌæn əˈbɒl ɪk /

adjective

Biology, Physiology.

1. involving or stimulating the building of complex substances from simpler ones as part of the process of metabolism in living organisms (catabolic ).

   These three essential amino acids have a strong anabolic effect, driving protein synthesis to build muscle.

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anabolic British  

/ ˌænəˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to anabolism

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Other Word Forms

• anabolically adverb
• hyperanabolic adjective

Etymology

Origin of anabolic

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek anabol(ḗ) “a throwing upward,” equivalent to ana- ana- ( def. ) + bolḗ “a throw” (compare anabállein “to throw up”) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

In an emotional video posted on Instagram, the 36-year-old revealed he had been "taking anabolic steroids illegally for five years, and these things have really, really messed with my life".

From BBC

World tennis No. 1 Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, recently received a three-month ban after blaming two positive tests for an anabolic steroid on a spray used by his physical therapist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sinner twice tested positive for low levels of the banned anabolic steroid clostebol - which can be used to build muscle mass - in March 2024.

From BBC

The list of health risks associated with taking anabolic steroids — which have no medical use approved by the U.S. government — is long and frightening:

From Los Angeles Times

In 2022, a cache of leaked emails revealed that, cue the gasps and shock, an $11,000-per-month anabolic steroid habit is the secret substance pumping up his hulking frame.

From Salon