Anaerobically is a term that is used to describe a process or activity that occurs in the absence of oxygen. The word has its roots in the Greek language, with “an” meaning without and “aerobios” meaning air or oxygen. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anaerobically, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and provide example sentences.
Definitions
The term anaerobically refers to a process or activity that occurs without the presence of oxygen. This can include biological processes such as fermentation or the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. It can also refer to physical activities such as exercise that do not require oxygen for energy production.
Origin
The word anaerobically has its roots in the Greek language. The prefix “an” means without, while “aerobios” means air or oxygen. The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe biological processes that occurred in the absence of oxygen.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anaerobically refers to a process that occurs without the presence of oxygen. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “relating to or denoting an organism, environment, or metabolic process that functions without the presence of oxygen.”
Associations
Anaerobically is often associated with biological processes such as fermentation, which is used to produce products such as beer, wine, and bread. It is also associated with physical activities such as weightlifting or sprinting, which do not rely on oxygen for energy production.
Synonyms
Synonyms for anaerobically include without oxygen, oxygen-free, and anoxic.
Antonyms
Antonyms for anaerobically include aerobically, oxygenated, and aerobic.
The same root words
The root words of anaerobically include “an” meaning without and “aerobios” meaning air or oxygen. Other words that share these root words include anoxia, which refers to a lack of oxygen, and aerobic, which refers to a process that requires oxygen.
Example Sentences
- The bacteria in the compost pile break down organic matter anaerobically.
- Weightlifting is an anaerobic activity that does not rely on oxygen for energy production.
- The fermentation process used to make beer occurs anaerobically.
- Anoxic conditions in the ocean can lead to the growth of harmful algae.
- Aerobic exercise such as running requires the presence of oxygen for energy production, unlike anaerobic exercise like weightlifting.