anaerobic

[ an-uh-roh-bik, an-ai- ]
/ ˌæn əˈroʊ bɪk, ˌæn ɛə- /

adjective

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

Origin of anaerobic

First recorded in 1880–85; anaerobe + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM anaerobic

an·aer·o·bi·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for anaerobic

British Dictionary definitions for anaerobic

anaerobic
/ (ˌænɛəˈrəʊbɪk) /

adjective

(of an organism or process) requiring the absence of or not dependent on the presence of oxygen
of or relating to anaerobes
Compare aerobic

Derived forms of anaerobic

anaerobically, adverb

Medical definitions for anaerobic

anaerobic
[ ăn′ə-rōbĭk, -â-rōbĭk ]

adj.

Relating to or being an anaerobe.
Living without oxygen.

Scientific definitions for anaerobic

anaerobic
[ ăn′ə-rōbĭk ]

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

Cultural definitions for anaerobic

anaerobic
[ (an-uh-roh-bik, an-air-oh-bik) ]

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.)