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catabolite

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kæˈtæbəˌlaɪt/

KK: /kæˈtæbəˌlaɪt/

noun
Definition

A substance that is created when the body breaks down larger molecules for energy or other uses.


Example

During digestion, the body produces catabolites from the food we eat.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a catabolite?
Sloth B
I think I read about it in a science article once.
Sloth A
Yeah, it's interesting how our bodies produce catabolites during metabolism.
Sloth B
Absolutely, it really shows how complex our bodies are!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
metabolite
byproduct
residue
Antonyms
substrate
precursor
reactant
Root Explanation

Catabolite → It is formed from "cata-" (from Greek "kata", meaning down) and "ballein" (meaning to throw). The word "catabolite" refers to a substance that is produced during the process of catabolism, which involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'down' ('cata-') and 'throwing' ('ballein') to remember that a catabolite is something that is thrown down or broken down during metabolism.

Visually Confused Words
katabolite
cantalite
anabolite
metabolite
katabolize
caracolite
attacolite
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