Catabiotic

/ˌkætəbaɪˈɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by the breakdown and destruction of living organisms or biological structures during decomposition.

Etymology

From Greek kata- 'down' and bios 'life,' plus -tic, forming an adjective meaning 'going downward in life' or relating to the decline of living matter.

Kelly Says

Catabiotic processes describe what happens when organisms die and decompose—it's the opposite of anabiotic (life-building), representing the inevitable return of complex molecules back to simpler forms in nature's great recycling system.

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