anabolic

[ an-uh-bol-ik ]

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.

anabolic

/ ˌænəˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to anabolism

Other Words From

• an·a·bol·i·cal·ly adverb
• hy·per·an·a·bol·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anabolic¹

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

Hooton said that the foundation would continue reaching out to young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids.

From The Daily Beast

He cited statistics that “over a million kids admit to using anabolic steroids in middle school and high school.”

From The Daily Beast

Anabolic steroids, hailing from the world of male sex hormones—androgens like testosterone—are the second PED.

From The Daily Beast

The owner of Anabolic had paid a pretty penny for this location.

From The Daily Beast

As stated by its authors the theory is, that the female is everywhere "anabolic," as compared with the male, which is "katabolic."

From Project Gutenberg

Superficial sociologists have taunted woman with being "more anabolic or plant-like" than man, but I count it her second glory.

From Project Gutenberg

For money is the sinews of Anabolic and Katabolic warfare also.

From Project Gutenberg

Anabolic: the constructive change from food material to animal tissue: see katabolic.

From Project Gutenberg

Katabolic: the destructive change from animal tissue to waste product: see anabolic.

From Project Gutenberg