[mass noun](Biology)the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism (生)分解;分解代谢,异化
派生 catabolic [katəˈbɒlɪk] adjective 语源
late 19th cent.: from Greek katabolē 'throwing down', from kata- 'down' + ballein 'to throw'