Definitions

1. verb

to break down or decompose something, especially an organic substance, into simpler components

“The bacteria catabolized the dead plant material into nutrients that supported the growth of new life.”

2. verb

to convert a complex substance into a simpler one through a chemical reaction

“The process of catabolizing glucose releases energy that the body can use to power its functions.”

3. noun

the process or act of breaking down or decomposing something into simpler components

“The catabolization of the protein molecule led to the release of smaller peptide fragments.”