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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishSomething that helps the body build muscle.
When to use it
Neutral in biology; in everyday use it almost always implies steroids.
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'.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for anabolic
colic
frolic
Catholic
systolic
symbolic
apostolic
alcoholic
metabolic
parabolic
workaholic
melancholic
See all rhymes for anabolic →
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.
What is the meaning of anabolic?
"anabolic" (adjective) means describing a substance, especially a synthetic hormone related to testosterone, that promotes the growth of muscle and bone.
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