Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

oxygen debt

American  

noun

Physiology.
  1. the body's oxygen deficiency resulting from strenuous physical activity.


Etymology

Origin of oxygen debt

First recorded in 1920–25


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"Physiological recovery from oxygen debt is more protracted, complex, and occurs over much longer timescales than previously understood, with the elevated heart rate on land likely helping to support a delayed recovery," concluded Walker.

From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026

Initially it was thought that this energy, which we call “excess postexercise oxygen consumption,” was a replacement for oxygen debt.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 24, 2021

They throw themselves over the boards, skate themselves into oxygen debt, then sit down and watch their sweat freeze.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 13, 2016

Until the oxygen debt has been met, oxygen intake is elevated, even after exercise has stopped.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

"I believe it would be an asset for the game because they do get into oxygen debt and then struggle to make good decisions."

From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2010

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training