adjective

anabolic

an-uh-BOL-ik

Anabolic (adjective) means describing a substance, especially a synthetic hormone related to testosterone, that promotes the growth of muscle and bone. Example: “He tested positive for an anabolic steroid and lost the title.”

adjective

Describing a substance, especially a synthetic hormone related to testosterone, that promotes the growth of muscle and bone.

"He tested positive for an anabolic steroid and lost the title."

"Anabolic drugs are prescribed for muscle wasting in some serious illnesses."

technical Relating to anabolism, the set of chemical processes by which the body builds larger molecules such as proteins from smaller ones, using energy.

"Sleep and adequate protein put the body in an anabolic state."

How to Use Anabolic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that helps the body build muscle.

When to use it

Neutral in biology; in everyday use it almost always implies steroids.

Memory tip

Ana- means up: anabolic builds up, catabolic tears down.

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Easily confused with

anabolic / catabolic anabolic steroids / corticosteroids

Common pairings

anabolic steroids anabolic state anabolic window anabolic effect

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He tested positive for an _____ steroid and lost the title.

Etymology

From Greek anabolē 'a throwing up, building up', from ana- 'up' + ballein 'to throw'.

Origin: Greek

Antonyms

catabolic

Rhymes for anabolic

colic frolic Catholic systolic symbolic apostolic alcoholic metabolic parabolic workaholic melancholic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between anabolic and catabolic?

Anabolic processes build tissue up, using energy to make larger molecules such as muscle protein. Catabolic processes break tissue down to release energy. Training breaks muscle down; eating and resting build it back up.

Are anabolic steroids the same as the steroids doctors prescribe for inflammation?

No, and the confusion matters. Anabolic steroids mimic testosterone and build muscle. Corticosteroids such as prednisone reduce inflammation and can actually waste muscle over time. They are different drug classes with different effects.

Are anabolic steroids legal?

In most countries they are prescription-only and possession without one is an offence — they are Class C in the UK and Schedule III in the US. They are also banned by essentially every sporting body.

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Words That End With C