adjective
- relating to or involving catabolism, the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to release energy
Usage: biology; biochemistry
Examples
- The catabolic process breaks down glucose to produce ATP.
- During fasting, the body enters a catabolic state.
- Catabolic enzymes help digest food in the stomach.
- Exercise can trigger both anabolic and catabolic responses.
- The patient’s catabolic rate increased during illness.
- Catabolic pathways release energy stored in nutrients.