methanogenesis

noun

me·than·o·gen·e·sis mə-ˌtha-nə-ˈje-nə-səs

plural methanogeneses mə-ˌtha-nə-ˈje-nə-ˌsēz

: the production of methane especially by the action of methanogens

Methanogenesis occurs in vast natural and human-made environments, but only when the conditions are anaerobic.—

James G. Ferry

… the rate of microbial methanogenesis generally increases with temperature.—

W. F. Weeks et al.

Examples of methanogenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And biological methanogenesis appears to be compatible with the data. —

Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2021 This implies that the pathways of methanogenesis forming part of the microbial digestion of fiber in the foregut are similar between the groups, and that the lower methane emission of camelids can be explained by their generally lower relative food intake. —

Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2016 On Earth, microorganisms that live within deep-sea vents use up hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane in a method called methanogenesis, reports Popular Science. —

Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2021 Eight proteins are directly implicated in methanogenesis, the biological production of methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. —

Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'methanogenesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of methanogenesis was in 1958

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Methanogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methanogenesis. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Copy Citation