adjective
anaerobic
an-uh-ROH-bik
Anaerobic (adjective) means happening or living without oxygen. Example: “Anaerobic bacteria thrive in the sealed tank.”
adjective
1
technical Happening or living without oxygen.
"Anaerobic bacteria thrive in the sealed tank."
"Anaerobic digestion turns food waste into biogas."
2
Describing intense, short bursts of exercise in which the muscles work faster than oxygen can be supplied, such as sprinting or heavy lifting.
"Sprint intervals are anaerobic, so you cannot hold the pace for long."
"Her programme mixes anaerobic work with longer easy runs."
How to use anaerobic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWorking or living without oxygen.
When to use it
Technical in biology and chemistry; everyday in fitness writing.
Memory tip
The prefix an- means 'without', so anaerobic literally reads as 'without air life'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
aerobic →
anaemic
Common pairings
anaerobic bacteria
anaerobic exercise
anaerobic digestion
anaerobic threshold
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_____ bacteria thrive in the sealed tank.
Etymology
From Greek an- 'without', aēr 'air' and bios 'life'.
Synonyms
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anaerobiotic
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for anaerobic
See all rhymes for anaerobic →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?
Aerobic exercise is steady and sustained, such as jogging or cycling, and your body supplies the working muscles with enough oxygen to keep going. Anaerobic exercise is short and very intense, such as sprinting or heavy lifting, and the muscles produce energy without enough oxygen, so fatigue sets in within seconds or minutes.
Is anaerobic exercise better than aerobic?
Neither is better; they do different jobs. Aerobic training builds cardiovascular endurance, while anaerobic training builds strength, power and speed, and most balanced programmes include both.
What are anaerobic bacteria?
They are bacteria that live without oxygen, and many are actually harmed by it. They are found in places such as deep soil, the gut and sealed digesters, and some cause infections in wounds where oxygen cannot reach.
What is the meaning of anaerobic?
"anaerobic" (adjective) means happening or living without oxygen.
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