01 n. the breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy, in living organisms; destructive or downward metabolism;…
-
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. See: Disassimilation
Syn.
katabolism, dissimilation, destructive metabolism.