Definition

Anaerobic means "without oxygen." Anaerobic bacteria are able to survive and grow in environments that have no oxygen. Anaerobic exercise, such as weight lifting, does not require heavy breathing because it relies on energy sources other than oxygen.

Anaerobic is the opposite of aerobic.

Anaerobic organism

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Review Date:4/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.