anoxia

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

/ ænˈɒk si ə, əˈnɒk- /

Save This Word!

noun

Biology. the absence of oxygen, as in an organic environment: the simulation of aquatic anoxia in the laboratory.

Pathology. the absence or near absence of oxygen in the body tissues; severe hypoxia: Metabolism came to an irreversible standstill during prolonged anoxia.Compare hypoxia (def. 2).

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of anoxia

First recorded in 1930–35; an-¹ + ox(ygen) + -ia

OTHER WORDS FROM anoxia

an·ox·ic, adjective

Words nearby anoxia

anovulant, anovulation, anovulatory, anoxaemia, anoxemia, anoxia, anoxic, ANPA, ANPR, Anqing, Anquetil

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anoxia in a sentence

There they encountered the larvae of the Cetonia, the Oryctes, the Anoxia, succulent morsels on which to rear their families.
More Hunting Wasps|J. Henri Fabre
Employing our feeble energies in turns, we dig a trench in the sand where I hope to find the Anoxia.
More Hunting Wasps|J. Henri Fabre
It should imitate the Anoxia-larva and remain rolled up like a Hedgehog until the enemy retires.
More Hunting Wasps|J. Henri Fabre
Hypoxia or anoxia or lack of oxygen could affect his memory.
Warren Commission (6 of 26): Hearings Vol. VI (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

There was no cerebral response, that is the pupils remained dilated and fixed; there was evidence of anoxia.
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

British Dictionary definitions for anoxia

anoxia

/ (ænˈɒksɪə) /

noun

lack or absence of oxygen

a deficiency of oxygen in tissues and organsCompare hypoxia

Derived forms of anoxia

anoxic, adjective

Word Origin for anoxia

C20: from an- + ox (ygen) + -ia

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