Definition of "catabolism" [catabolism]

• The metabolic breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, often resulting in a release of energy. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "NOT getting enough protein is a sure way to destroy muscle and promote catabolism, which is obviously detrimental to any type of fitness program or goal."
• "As the banana ripens the chlorophyll begins to break down a process called catabolism and the resulting products are concentrated in the banana peel."
• "As the banana ripens, the chlorophyll begins to break down - a process called catabolism - and the resulting products are concentrated in the banana peel."