Anaerobes

/ˈænəˌroʊbz/ noun

Definition

The plural of anaerobe; multiple organisms that live and reproduce without requiring oxygen.

Etymology

From ana- (without) + aero (air) + bios (life) + -s (plural). The plural allows microbiologists to discuss multiple oxygen-independent organisms.

Kelly Says

Your gut is absolutely full of anaerobes—trillions of them help you digest food and they don't mind at all that there's no oxygen down there! They're so common that scientists actually needed a plural form specifically for them.

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