DISASSIMILATION

Etymology

Noun

disassimilation (plural disassimilations)

(obsolete, biochemistry) catabolism (metabolism with the release of energy)

The act of becoming less assimilated or integrated, particularly of ethnic groups.

Antonyms

• assimilation

Source: Wiktionary

Dis`as*sim`i*la"tion, n. (Physics)

Definition: The decomposition of complex substances, within the organism, into simpler ones suitable only for excretion, with evolution of energy, -- a normal nutritional process the reverse of assimilation; downward metabolism. The breaking down of already existing chemical compounds into simpler ones, sometimes called disassimilation. Martin.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition