anaerobe

[ an-uh-rohb, an-air-ohb ]

noun

1. an organism, especially a bacterium, that does not require air or free oxygen to live ( aerobe ).

anaerobe

/ æˈnɛərəʊb; ˌænɛəˈrəʊbɪəm; ˈænərəʊb /

noun

1. an organism that does not require oxygen for respiration Compare aerobe

anaerobe

/ ăn′ə-rōb′ /

1. An organism, such as a bacterium, that can or must live in the absence of oxygen.
2. Compare aerobe

Word History and Origins

Origin of anaerobe¹

First recorded in 1875–80; an- ¹ + aerobe

Example Sentences

If you want to do something extra, consider taking a probiotic that contains lots of different bacteria and other anaerobes, which may be helpful for gut health.

From Washington Post

Note that by far, not all parasites and mutualists are anaerobes.

From Scientific American

"In other words, if we find that it's a group of anaerobes that are increasing the risk for HIV, we can find alternative ways to bring down those anaerobes."

From Scientific American

While some species grow strictly under one condition or the other, and hence are obligate aerobes or anaerobes, others possess the ability of growing under either condition and are known as facultative or optional forms.

From Project Gutenberg

Pasteur could not have meant to say that both bacteria are anaerobes.

From Project Gutenberg