anaerobic

[ an-uh-roh-bik, an-ai- ]

adjective

1. (of an organism or tissue) living in the absence of air or free oxygen.
2. pertaining to or caused by the absence of oxygen.

anaerobic

/ ˌænɛəˈrəʊbɪk /

adjective

1. (of an organism or process) requiring the absence of or not dependent on the presence of oxygen
2. of or relating to anaerobes

anaerobic

/ ăn′ə-rō′bĭk /

1. Occurring in the absence of oxygen or not requiring oxygen to live. Anaerobic bacteria produce energy from food molecules without the presence of oxygen.
2. Compare aerobic

anaerobic

1. A descriptive term for a process, such as fermentation , that can proceed only in the absence of oxygen , or a living thing that can survive only in the absence of oxygen. ( Compare aerobic .)

Derived Forms

• ˌanaerˈobically, adverb

Other Words From

• an·aer·o·bi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anaerobic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; anaerobe + -ic

Example Sentences

“There’s no jerky motions or throwing of weights. And it can increase your circulation — you get greater blood flow while activating your muscles. So you’re adding a cardiovascular benefit for something that’s typically anaerobic.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the past few years, more plastic has been going to incinerators and less food waste - which councils are now sending to anaerobic digesters or to be composted.

From BBC

And New York State requires large food businesses to donate excess edible food and recycle remaining scraps if they are within 25 miles of a composting facility or anaerobic digester.

From New York Times

"It's evidence to show that lactate shouldn't be associated with anaerobic metabolism -- that is oxygen-limited metabolism. It's just a normal response to consuming carbohydrates or to exercise," Leija said.

From Science Daily

While the dearth of oxygen may bode poorly for complex life, there are bacteria and other microscopic organisms that can survive without oxygen and are therefore known as "anaerobic" life forms.

From Salon