1. A condition or environment in which oxygen is absent or severely depleted; the state of being anaerobic.
Usage: technical; biology; medicine
2. Plural of anaerobe; organisms that can survive and thrive without oxygen.
Usage: technical; microbiology

Examples

• Bacteria in anaerobia can produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism.
• The deep ocean floor exists in anaerobia, where no sunlight penetrates.
• Certain anaerobia thrive in the human digestive system.
• Wastewater treatment plants use anaerobia to break down organic matter.
• Anaerobia conditions are essential for the fermentation process in food production.