anoxybiosis

/ænɒksɪˈbiɒsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

A state of suspended animation or dormancy in which an organism, typically a microorganism, remains viable but inactive, often in a state of reduced metabolic activity, without the need for oxygen.

“The discovery of anoxybiosis in certain bacteria has opened up new avenues for the preservation of microorganisms in space exploration.”

Synonyms

  • dormancy
  • suspended animation
  • torpor

Antonyms

  • activity
  • metabolism