catabolism

n.

1.

the breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy, in living organisms; destructive or downward metabolism; - a form of metabolism, opposed to anabolism. See also Disassimilation.

Noun

1.

catabolism - breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy Synonyms: destructive metabolism, katabolism, dissimilation Antonyms: anabolism, constructive metabolism - synthesis of more complex substances from simpler ones

assimilation, avatar, basal metabolism, catalysis, consubstantiation, displacement, heterotopia, metabolism, metagenesis, metamorphism, metamorphosis, metastasis, metathesis, metempsychosis, mutant, mutated form, mutation, permutation, reincarnation, sport, transanimation, transfiguration, transfigurement, transformation, transformism, translation, translocation, transmigration, transmogrification, transmutation, transposition, transubstantiation