hypoxic

[ hahy-pok-sik ]

adjective

1. having or caused by a very low level of oxygen:

   The hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico is caused by excess nutrients, mainly nitrogen from fertilizer runoff.

   Some brain structures are believed to be particularly vulnerable to hypoxic damage during birth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypoxic¹

First recorded in 1940–45; hypox(ia) ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

If oxygen levels become deficient in its tissues, causing hypoxia, cells can use the high levels of the sugar glycogen stored in its heart and brain to begin anaerobic metabolism, creating energy without oxygen.

From Nautilus

This cascade of hypoxia reminded Williams—who studies the physiology of both diving mammals and human athletes—of the ways that marine mammals had previously illuminated human health issues.

From Nautilus

Jason Somarelli, an assistant professor at Duke and researcher on this project, explained in an email that his team is studying whether whales may have lost some genes through evolution that allow them to decouple hypoxia and inflammation.

From Nautilus

He was also known to inhale nitrous oxide cartridges that can induce hypoxia.

From Fortune

He tested positive on June 5 and needed to be hospitalized after his lungs were unable to get enough oxygen into his body, causing hypoxia and shortness of breath.

From MIT Technology Review