-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
biochemical oxygen demand
noun
: the oxygen used in meeting the metabolic needs of aerobic microorganisms in water rich in organic matter (such as water polluted with sewage)
Examples of biochemical oxygen demand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As a result of the initiative, preliminary testing there has shown a 400-percent improvement in biochemical oxygen demand, one of many water quality indicators, the release said.
—Robert Rhoden, NOLA.com, 31 Oct. 2017
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
1914, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of biochemical oxygen demand was
in 1914
Dictionary Entries Near biochemical oxygen demand
Cite this Entry
“Biochemical oxygen demand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biochemical%20oxygen%20demand. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
biochemical oxygen demand
noun
biochemical oxygen de·mand
-di-ˌmand
: the oxygen used in meeting the metabolic needs of aerobic microorganisms in water rich in organic matter (as water polluted with sewage)
called also biological oxygen demand, oxygen demand
More from Merriam-Webster on biochemical oxygen demand
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biochemical oxygen demand
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share