What does anabolism mean?
Anabolism is the set of constructive chemical reactions within living organisms in which smaller, simpler molecules are built up into larger, more complex ones — for example, the assembly of proteins from amino acids or glycogen from glucose. It is one of the two great divisions of metabolism, the other being catabolism, which breaks down complex molecules and releases energy. Anabolism requires an input of energy, typically supplied by ATP produced during catabolic processes, so the two work together as complementary halves of the body's economy: one tears down, the other builds up. The word appears most often in scientific writing on physiology, nutrition, sports medicine, and biochemistry, and it carries no figurative or informal usage. Its adjective, "anabolic," is widely known through phrases like "anabolic steroids." Understanding anabolism is essential to grasping how organisms grow, repair tissue, and store energy.
nounThe metabolic process by which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones, consuming energy; constructive metabolism.
- The energy-consuming phase of metabolism in which simple substances are converted into more complex compounds of living matter, such as proteins from amino acids.
"During recovery, the body's anabolism helps rebuild muscle tissue from amino acids."
"Weight training stimulates muscle protein anabolism when combined with adequate dietary protein."
"In growing children, anabolism naturally outpaces catabolism as new tissue is built."
Rarely pluralized; the noun is normally treated as uncountable.
"Different tissues favor different anabolisms depending on their function."
Anabolism is the reason your muscles grow after a workout — it's the half of metabolism that spends energy to build you up, while its twin catabolism tears you down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anabolism
The word derives from the Greek "anabole", meaning "a throwing up" or "building up", formed from "ana-" ("up") plus "ballein" ("to throw"). It entered English in the late nineteenth century alongside the related term "metabolism", coined around that era by German physiologists studying cellular chemistry. The same Greek root "ballein" gives us cognates such as "hyperbole" ("throwing beyond") and "symbol".
Related word forms
How anabolism is actually used
A technical term used chiefly in biology, biochemistry, physiology, and fitness contexts. It is almost always discussed in contrast or in balance with catabolism. The adjective form "anabolic" (as in "anabolic steroids") is far more familiar to the general public than the noun.
Easily confused with anabolism
Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones releasing energy, whereas anabolism builds complex molecules from simpler ones using energy.