anoxic

American  

[an-ok-sik, uh-nok-] / ænˈɒk sɪk, əˈnɒk- /

adjective

1. containing no oxygen; anaerobic.

   Methanogens are microorganisms that can occur in anoxic sediments, hydrothermal vents, and the intestinal tracts of animals.

2. caused by the absence of oxygen.

   The malpractice suit alleges that the patient’s anoxic brain injury was caused by excessive and improperly dosed medications.

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Etymology

Origin of anoxic

First recorded in 1895–1900; anox(ia) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

The American Veterinary Medical Association wrote in 2020 euthanasia guidelines that nitrogen hypoxia is not an acceptable euthanasia method for most mammals because the anoxic environment “is distressing.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024

For instance, the authors are quite interested to learn whether these organisms were adapted to oxygenated or anoxic environments.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

There’s no evidence that we’re seeing massive releases of sulfur—although deoxygenation like the Black Sea has experienced, with a larger anoxic zone and die-offs, is a bit of a warning.

From Scientific American • Sep. 26, 2023

At the time, the oceans were anoxic and saturated in dissolved iron.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 15, 2023

She shook her head at the anoxic list.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx