aerobic

adjective

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aer·o·bic | \ ˌer-ˈō-bik

Definition of aerobic

1 : living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen aerobic respiration

2 : of, relating to, or induced by aerobes aerobic fermentation

3a : of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate stationary bicycles used for aerobic conditioning an aerobic workout Aerobic exercise involves pushing your heart rate to 70% to 85% of its maximum, and keeping it there for 20 to 60 minutes at a time.— Tara Parker-Pope

b : of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise … the average exerciser can skip a couple of weeks without experiencing declines in aerobic capacity or the ability of the heart and lungs to supply the muscles with oxygen … — Consumer Reports on Health

c : relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity aerobic equipment

Other Words from aerobic Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About aerobic

Did you know?

Aerobic exercise is exercise that takes an extended amount of time—usually ten minutes or more—but is usually performed at only moderate intensity. Running, swimming, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are classic aerobic exercises. In 1968 a best-selling book called Aerobics introduced a system of exercise for increasing the body's ability to take in and use oxygen, and today aerobics classes, often mimicking such outdoor exercise as running and bicycling, take place every afternoon in thousands of gyms and YMCAs across the country. Aerobic exercise particularly strengthens the heart and lungs, but usually has many other good effects as well. Aerobic bacteria, which need oxygen to live, are essential for breaking down living matter so that it returns to the soil. They include the famous intestinal E. coli, as well as the staph and strep bacteria that can make a visit to the hospital risky.

Examples of aerobic in a Sentence

aerobic exercises like running and swimming aerobic organisms such as bacteria

Recent Examples on the Web Daily aerobic exercise can enhance those levels, too, and increase signal variability, according to Aga Burzynska, a cognitive neuroscientist at Colorado State University who was not involved in the work. — Max G. Levy, Wired, 22 Nov. 2021 This shows a clear cognitive benefit from swimming versus anaerobic exercise, though the study does not compare swimming with other aerobic exercises. — Seena Mathew, Quartz, 31 July 2021 Include low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, or water exercises, to improve your mood and help control your weight. — Mayo Clinic Staff, SELF, 4 Nov. 2021 Aim for at least 150 minutes per week or about 30 minutes five days a week of moderate aerobic exercise, according to the CDC. — Lauren Krouse, Health.com, 20 Oct. 2021 Lifestyle interventions—particularly aerobic exercise—can also help a lot. — Patti Greco, Health.com, 9 Sep. 2021 This solid pine piece is part suspension trainer, part plant holder, while the top of the custom desk can be removed to create aerobic modular steps. — Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful, 16 Sep. 2021 The patients, whose median age was 57, were given physical exams, lab tests and a standard measure of endurance and aerobic capacity called a 6-minute walk test. — BostonGlobe.com, 26 Aug. 2021 Researchers have long thought these microbes provided Earth’s initial supply of oxygen, over the eons creating an environment that favored the evolution of aerobic life in all its forms. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 2 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aerobic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near aerobic

aerobia

aerobic

aerobicize

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Last Updated

3 Dec 2021

Cite this Entry

“Aerobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for aerobic

aerobic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of aerobic

: strengthening the heart and lungs by making them work hard for several minutes or more

: using oxygen

See the full definition for aerobic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

aerobic

adjective

aer·o·bic | \ ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik, ˌe(-ə)r-

Medical Definition of aerobic

1 : living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen aerobic respiration

2 : of, relating to, or induced by aerobes aerobic fermentation

3a : of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate aerobic exercise

b : of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise aerobic capacity

c : relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity aerobic shoes