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Definition

Aerobic means oxygen is needed to:

  • Survive
  • Grow
  • Work properly

For example, bacteria that need oxygen to grow are called aerobic bacteria.

Aerobic is the opposite of anaerobic.

Gallery

Aerobic organisms
Aerobic processed and organisms require oxygen.

References

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Aerobic. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed January 17, 2023.

Last reviewed October 20, 2022 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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