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destructive metabolism; the breaking down in living organisms of more complex substances into simpler ones, with the release of energy (opposed to anabolism).
Contemporary Examples

In this way, anabolism and catabolism exist in balance with each other and are the ying and the yang of metabolism.
5 Metabolism Myths Debunked Sarah Whitman-Salkin August 24, 2009

In catabolism, cells break down those large molecules to release energy and dispose of waste.
5 Metabolism Myths Debunked Sarah Whitman-Salkin August 24, 2009

Historical Examples

We have seen that a centre of catabolism is a hypertonic focus of diffusion.
The Mechanism of Life Stphane Leduc

Consider, on the other hand, a centre of catabolism, where the molecules are being broken up into fragments or smaller groups.
The Mechanism of Life Stphane Leduc

Similar considerations as to the formation and breaking up of the molecules in anabolism and catabolism apply to polymerization.
The Mechanism of Life Stphane Leduc

The processes concerned in metabolism are chiefly those of building up, “anabolism,” and breaking down, “catabolism.”
Dietetics for Nurses Fairfax T. Proudfit

Swelling of the spleen is caused by catabolism of the Malpighian bodies.
Valere Aude Louis Dechmann

In catabolism, the worn particles from the cells, and the dead cells no longer useful are broken up and thrown out of the body.
Dietetics for Nurses Fairfax T. Proudfit

Every centre of catabolism is therefore a positive pole of diffusion.
The Mechanism of Life Stphane Leduc

He thinks of the world as an animal organism subject to what are now called anabolism and catabolism.
The Legacy of Greece Various

noun
a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism Compare anabolism
n.

1876, katabolism, “destructive metabolism,” from Greek katabole “a throwing down” (also “a foundation”), from kataballein “to throw down,” from kata- “down” (see cata-) + ballein “to throw” (see ballistics). Barnhart says probably formed in English on the model of metabolism. Spelling Latinized from 1889.

catabolism ca·tab·o·lism (kə-tāb’ə-lĭz’əm)
n.
The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy.
cat’a·bol’ic (kāt’ə-bŏl’ĭk) adj.
catabolism
(kə-tāb’ə-lĭz’əm)
The phase of metabolism in which energy, in the form of ATP, is produced by the breakdown of complex molecules, such as starches, proteins and fats, into simpler ones. Compare anabolism.

catabolic adjective

Biochemical reactions that break down molecules in metabolism. Molecules may be broken down to gain their energy or to prepare them for disposal from the body. (Compare anabolism.)