anoxic

[ an-ok-sik, uh-nok- ]

adjective

1. containing no oxygen; anaerobic:

   Methanogens are microorganisms that can occur in anoxic sediments, hydrothermal vents, and the intestinal tracts of animals.

2. caused by the absence of oxygen:

   The malpractice suit alleges that the patient’s anoxic brain injury was caused by excessive and improperly dosed medications.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anoxic¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; anox(ia) ( def ) + -ic ( def )