anabolism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anabolism” mean?
The metabolic process in which the body builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The metabolic process in which the body builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.
Any constructive or synthetic process in living organisms; in broader contexts, can metaphorically refer to any building-up or growth process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, confined to scientific/medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anabolism” in a Sentence
[Subject] undergoes anabolism.[Agent] promotes anabolism in [object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anabolism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cells anabolise amino acids into proteins.
- After a meal, the body begins to anabolise.
American English
- The cells anabolize amino acids to build tissue.
- The goal of this supplement is to help the body anabolize efficiently.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in use]
adjective
British English
- The anabolic phase is crucial for recovery.
- They studied the anabolic effects of the hormone.
American English
- The workout triggers an anabolic response.
- Anabolic pathways require energy input.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in biotech/pharma reports discussing metabolic pathways.
Academic
Common in biology, biochemistry, physiology, and medical textbooks/research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in life sciences, sports science (regarding muscle growth), and endocrinology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anabolism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anabolism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anabolism”
- Misspelling as 'anabolizm'. Using it as a verb ('to anabolise' is extremely rare). Confusing it with 'catabolism'.
- Incorrect stress: stressing the first syllable (/ˈænəbəlɪzəm/) is wrong.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Metabolism includes both anabolism (building up) and catabolism (breaking down). Anabolism is one half of the metabolic process.
It would sound very technical and out of place. In everyday contexts, people say 'muscle growth', 'building up', or simply 'metabolism'.
Think 'A' for 'adding' or 'assembling'. It's the constructive, energy-consuming phase where your body builds and stores.
Yes. 'Anabolic' refers to their function of promoting tissue growth (especially muscle) by enhancing anabolic processes in the body.
Anabolism is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anabolism: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnæb.əˌlɪz.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANA' (up, building) + 'BOLISM' (from metabolism). It's the 'up-building' part of metabolism.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING (The body is a construction site; anabolism is the building phase.)
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most directly opposite to 'anabolism'?