Biol. [f. Gr. καταβολ-ή a throwing down (f. καταβάλλειν to throw down) + -ISM.] That phase of the metabolism of living bodies which consists in the breaking down of complex organic compounds into simpler ones; destructive metabolism.
1876. Foster, Phys., § 530 (1888), 807. Wherever destructive metabolism, katabolism, is going on, heat is being set free.
1889. Geddes & Thomson, Evol. Sex, ii. 27. The male reproduction is associated with preponderating katabolism.
1894. B. Kidd, Soc. Evolut., ix. 287. The tendency—by itself disintegrating and destructive—known as katabolism.
