methanogenic

adjective

me·​than·​o·​gen·​ic mə-ˌtha-nə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce methanogenic (audio)
: producing methane as a by-product of energy metabolism : of, relating to, or being a methanogen
Most atmospheric methane appears to be microbially generated, originating from methane producing (methanogenic) archaea that live in anaerobic pockets around the globe.Edward F. DeLong
also : of, relating to, or involved in methanogenesis
Methanogenic pathways determine both the carbon and hydrogen isotopic signatures of the emitted CH4, which in turn can be used to better constrain the global methane budget. Michael Bock et al.
methanogenic enzymes

Examples of methanogenic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The methane-producing methanogens had been detected previously, and Raymann’s study provides additional evidence that this functional group is dominant: no non-methanogenic lineages were seen in human samples. Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2017 Similar technologies in other countries also suggest feeding livestock anti-methanogenic supplements could lead to cattle and sheep conserving more energy for food production. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2023 The latest fight against livestock methane pushes Rumin8’s goal of finding compounds with anti-methanogenic properties that can feed livestock while reducing emissions. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 26 Jan. 2023 Rumin8 identifies naturally occurring compounds with anti-methanogenic properties and reproduces them in a highly efficient, low-cost, scalable, and high-quality process to feed to livestock to reduce their emissions. Quartz, 24 Jan. 2023 Rumin8 uses anti-methanogenic compounds found in seaweed, active ingredients that can target and eliminate methane-producing bacteria, to reduce methane emissions and even conserve livestock animals’ energy. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2023 On Earth, living things, such as methanogenic microbes, wetlands, and cattle, release vast quantities of the stuff. Ashley P. Taylor, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2012

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

Word History

Etymology

methane + -o- + -genic

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methanogenic was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near methanogenic

Cite this Entry

“Methanogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methanogenic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

methanogenic

adjective
me·​than·​o·​gen·​ic -ˈjen-ik How to pronounce methanogenic (audio)
: of or relating to the methanogens or methanogenesis
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!