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
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.
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

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 How to pronounce biochemical oxygen demand (audio)
: 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

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