anabolism

American  

[uh-nab-uh-liz-uhm] / əˈnæb əˌlɪz əm /

noun

Biology, Physiology.

1. constructive metabolism; the synthesis in living organisms of more complex substances from simpler ones (catabolism ).

---

anabolism British  

/ əˈnæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a metabolic process in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism Compare catabolism

---

anabolism Scientific  

/ ə-năb′ə-lĭz′əm /

1. The phase of metabolism in which complex molecules, such as the proteins and fats that make up body tissue, are formed from simpler ones.

2. Compare catabolism

---

anabolism Cultural  

1. The chemical reactions that synthesize molecules in metabolism. (Compare catabolism.)

---

Discover More

Athletes often attempt to improve their performance by speeding up this molecule-building process through the use of drugs called anabolic steroids, despite the potential health risks involved. This use is outlawed in many athletic competitions, such as the Olympic Games.

Other Word Forms

• anabolic adjective
• hyperanabolism noun

Etymology

Origin of anabolism

First recorded in 1885–90; ana- + (meta)bolism

Compare meaning

How does anabolism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• catabolism vs. anabolism

Example Sentences

Urea is a product of the metabolism, not anabolism – building – of amino acids, which is why answer B is incorrect.

From US News

“Unlike fat or carbohydrate, the human body has limited capacity to transiently store ‘excess’ dietary protein from a single meal to acutely stimulate muscle protein anabolism at a later time.”

From Forbes

Pertaining to anabolism; an anabolic changes, or processes, more or less constructive in their nature.

From Project Gutenberg

We may thus regard every centre of anabolism as a negative pole of diffusion.

From Project Gutenberg

The processes concerned in metabolism are chiefly those of building up, “anabolism,” and breaking down, “catabolism.”

From Project Gutenberg