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Aerobic

Aerobic means oxygen is needed to:

  • Survive
  • Grow
  • Work properly

For example, bacteria that need oxygen to grow are called aerobic bacteria.

Aerobic is the opposite of anaerobic.

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References

References has been expanded.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Aerobic. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed January 17, 2023.

Review Date 10/20/2022

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.