Dictionary.com

aerobic

[ ai-roh-bik ]
/ ɛəˈroʊ bɪk /
Save This Word!

adjective
(of an organism or tissue) requiring the presence of air or free oxygen for life.
pertaining to or caused by the presence of oxygen.
of or utilizing the principles of aerobics: aerobic exercises; aerobic dances.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of aerobic

First recorded in 1880–85; aerobe + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM aerobic

aer·o·bi·cal·ly, adverbnon·aer·o·bic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aerobic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for aerobic

aerobic
/ (ɛəˈrəʊbɪk) /

adjective
(of an organism or process) depending on oxygen
of or relating to aerobes
designed for or relating to aerobicsaerobic shoes; aerobic dances
Compare anaerobic
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for aerobic

aerobic
[ â-rōbĭk ]

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. Compare anaerobic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for aerobic

aerobic
[ (air-oh-bik) ]

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

notes for aerobic

Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and doing calisthenics for an extended time, is designed to improve the body's use of oxygen.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
FEEDBACK