Glycolytic

/ˌglaɪkəˈlɪtɪk/ adjective

Referring to the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy without requiring oxygen. This system powers high-intensity exercise lasting approximately 15 seconds to 2 minutes and produces lactate as a byproduct.

From Greek 'glykys' (sweet) + 'lysis' (breakdown), literally meaning 'sugar breakdown.' The term emerged in biochemistry in the early 1900s as scientists discovered how cells metabolize glucose, and was later applied to exercise physiology.

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