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glycolytic

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ɡlaɪˈkɒlɪtɪk//

KK: /ɡlaɪˈkɒlɪtɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the process by which glucose is broken down in the body to produce energy.


Example

The glycolytic pathway is essential for energy production in cells.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that our bodies use glycolytic pathways during intense exercise?
Sloth B
Yeah, I've heard about that! It's fascinating how our muscles work.
Sloth A
Exactly! They switch to glycolytic metabolism when they need energy fast.
Sloth B
It's amazing how the body adapts to different activities.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
metabolic
catabolic
energetic
Antonyms
anabolic
nonmetabolic
inactive
Root Explanation

Glycolytic → It is formed from "glyco-" (from Greek "glykys", meaning sweet) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning capable of loosening or breaking down). The word "glycolytic" refers to the process of breaking down glucose, which is a sweet sugar, into energy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sweet' ('glyco-') being 'broken down' ('lytic') to remember that glycolytic refers to the process of breaking down glucose for energy.

Visually Confused Words
colytic
galactolytic
leucolytic
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