rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryanaerobicWithout oxygen use
adjective

anaerobic

an-uh-ROH-bik/ˌænəˈrəʊbɪk/

Occurring or functioning without sustained oxygen use.

The bacteria grow under anaerobic conditions inside the sealed container.

Sealed fermentation jar with bubbling vegetables under brine and airlock, anaerobic activity without oxygen; simple inset shows crossed-out O₂ symbol outside sealed vessel.
Etymology
anGreekwithout
+aeroGreekair
+bicGreeklife

The pieces express “life without air,” the image behind the original meaning “capable of living without oxygen.” In scientific use, the absence concerns oxygen specifically.

In context

Alila Medical Media2:24
in the absence of oxygen, the body switches to anaerobic metabolism, which breaks down glucose only partially, producing lactic acid.
Sepsis and Septic Shock, Animation.

More examples

  • The researcher compares aerobic and anaerobic processes.
  • A short sprint relies heavily on anaerobic energy production.
  • The treatment system includes an anaerobic digestion stage.

Similar words

oxygen-free
Describes environmental absence of oxygen rather than a metabolic process.