anaerobe

noun

Pronunciation: ˈæn.ə.roʊb

Definition

An organism that does not require oxygen for growth and may even be killed by its presence.

Examples

• Some bacteria are obligate anaerobes that perish immediately when exposed to atmospheric oxygen.

• The gut microbiome contains a complex community of anaerobes that assist in human digestion.

• Researchers isolated a new species of anaerobe from the sediment of a deep-sea hydrothermal vent.

Synonyms of anaerobe

Words with a similar meaning to anaerobe:

• microbe
• bacterium
• microorganism
• extremophile

Antonyms of anaerobe

Words with the opposite meaning to anaerobe:

• aerobe

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