methanogenesis

noun

me·​than·​o·​gen·​e·​sis mə-ˌtha-nə-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce methanogenesis (audio)
plural methanogeneses mə-ˌtha-nə-ˈje-nə-ˌsēz How to pronounce methanogenesis (audio)
: the production of methane especially by the action of methanogens
Methanogenesis occurs in vast natural and human-made environments, but only when the conditions are anaerobic.James G. Ferry
… the rate of microbial methanogenesis generally increases with temperature.W. F. Weeks et al.

Examples of methanogenesis 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.
Methane-Reducing Jabs Another way to shift the rumen’s microbial community away from methanogenesis could be to vaccinate livestock against methanogenic microbes. Bob Holmes, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2024 Methane-reducing jabs Another way to shift the rumen’s microbial community away from methanogenesis could be to vaccinate livestock against methanogenic microbes. Bob Holmes, Ars Technica, 20 June 2024 And biological methanogenesis appears to be compatible with the data. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2021 This implies that the pathways of methanogenesis forming part of the microbial digestion of fiber in the foregut are similar between the groups, and that the lower methane emission of camelids can be explained by their generally lower relative food intake. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2016 On Earth, microorganisms that live within deep-sea vents use up hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane in a method called methanogenesis, reports Popular Science. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2021 Eight proteins are directly implicated in methanogenesis, the biological production of methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methanogenesis was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near methanogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Methanogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methanogenesis. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

methanogenesis

noun
me·​than·​o·​gen·​e·​sis mə-ˌthan-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce methanogenesis (audio)
plural methanogeneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce methanogenesis (audio)
: the production of methane especially through the action of methanogens
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!