aerobic

[ai-roh-, uh-roh-bik]

adjective

1. (of an organism or tissue) requiring the presence of air or free oxygen for life.

2. pertaining to or caused by the presence of oxygen.

3. of or utilizing the principles of aerobics.

   aerobic exercises;

   aerobic dances.

aerobic

/ ɛəˈrəʊbɪk /

adjective

1. (of an organism or process) depending on oxygen

2. of or relating to aerobes

3. designed for or relating to aerobics

   aerobic shoes

   aerobic dances

aerobic

1. Occurring in the presence of oxygen or requiring oxygen to live. In aerobic respiration, which is the process used by the cells of most organisms, the production of energy from glucose metabolism requires the presence of oxygen.

2. Compare anaerobic

aerobic

1. In biology, a descriptive term for organisms that require the presence of oxygen to live. (Compare anaerobic.)

Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and doing calisthenics for an extended time, is designed to improve the body's use of oxygen.

Other Word Forms

• aerobically adverb
• nonaerobic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerobic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; aerobe + -ic

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Blanche dates an aerobics instructor who is considerably younger than she is — hence the episode’s title.

From Los Angeles Times

They did 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity four times a week, with strength and flexibility training twice a week.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, the World Health Organization says adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week.

From BBC

He encourages his patients to prioritize aerobic activity — movement that gets the heart rate up — even if it’s done in short bursts or mixed into daily routines.

From Los Angeles Times

When 83-year-old Maureen Welch set off for her weekly aqua aerobics class in October, she had no idea that her life was about to drastically change.

From BBC