Catabolize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To break down complex molecules into simpler ones for energy or metabolic purposes involves a biochemical process
2. The metabolic conversion of larger molecules into smaller units serves to release energy for cellular activities
3. A process where larger compounds are degraded into simpler substances, facilitating energy production and metabolism

Etymology: Catabolize is a plain modern coinage, built from "catabolism" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize" attached. The noun "catabolism" is itself built from Greek roots: "kata-", meaning "down" or "against," and "ballein", meaning "to throw." Together they describe the breaking-down side of metabolism, the opposite of anabolism, which builds molecules up. The pairing was made deliberately to name these two halves of the body's chemistry. The "-ize" ending, from Greek "-izein" and recast in English as a way of turning nouns into verbs, is what lets scientists talk about the action itself. To catabolize a sugar is to break it down into smaller units, releasing energy that the cell can use. The verb therefore describes a process rather than a thing, which is why it works so naturally in biochemistry textbooks.

Synonyms: break down, metabolize