anabolism

[ uh-nab-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

, Biology, Physiology.

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

anabolism

/ 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

/ 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

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

Notes

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 Words From

• an·a·bol·ic [an-, uh, -, bol, -ik], adjective
• hy·per·a·nab·o·lism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anabolism¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of anabolism¹

C19: from ana- + ( meta ) bolism

Example Sentences

HER2 signaling drives DNA anabolism and proliferation through SRC-3 phosphorylation and E2F1-regulated genes.

From Nature

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

From US News

Exciting times for Raze and cancer anabolism.

From Forbes

“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