-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
oxygen debt
noun
: a cumulative deficit of oxygen available for oxidative metabolism that develops during periods of intense bodily activity and must be made good when the body returns to rest
Examples of oxygen debt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Getting hard-core exercise is the most important part—driving myself to the brink of oxygen debt on an elliptical machine to jack my endorphins up to battle against everything that’s coming.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2023
And pity the fool who goes out too hard, which is a bad idea in any kind of racing but can result in severe oxygen debt at altitude in snowshoes.
—John Meyer, The Know, 18 Feb. 2020
But what a beautiful place to run into severe oxygen debt.
—John Meyer, The Know, 28 Feb. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1923, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near oxygen debt
Cite this Entry
“Oxygen debt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxygen%20debt. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
oxygen debt
noun
: a lack of oxygen that develops in the body during periods of intense activity and must be made good when the body returns to rest
Medical Definition
oxygen debt
noun
: a cumulative deficit of oxygen available for oxidative metabolism that develops during periods of intense bodily activity and must be made good when the body returns to rest
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share