Aerobic
/ˌeəˈroʊbɪk/noun
Relating to or requiring oxygen, especially for life processes or exercise.
Did you know?Aerobic comes from the Greek root for “air” combined with a form meaning “life,” so its deepest sense is not just fitness — it’s life powered by breath.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀήρ (aḗr)
“air, mist, the lower atmosphere”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βίος (bíos)
“life”
Late 18th Century
French
aérobie
“living or acting in the presence of air”
Late 19th Century
English
aerobic
“requiring oxygen; involving the presence of air”
Modern English
English
aerobic
“relating to oxygen-dependent metabolism or exercise”