An organism that does not need free-form oxygen for growth. Many anaerobes are even sensitive to free oxygen. Obligate (strict) anaerobes grow only in the absence of oxygen. Facultative anaerobes can grow either in the presence or in the absence of molecular oxygen.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 146 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)