anaerobe An organism that can survive and grow in the absence or near absence of free oxygen. Faculative anaerobes can live with or without free oxygen; obligate anaerobes are poisoned by it. Anaerobic bacteria can be a hazard in food canning because they can multiply in foods even under vacuum. Compare with aerobe. Related category • MICROBIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |