n. The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy. [CATA- + (META)BOLISM.] cat′a·bolic (kăt′ə-bŏlĭk) adj. cat′a·boli·cal·ly adv. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.