Phrase guide

oxygen debt

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

the amount of extra oxygen required to oxidize lactic acid in the muscles built up during vigorous exercise

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a cumulative deficit of oxygen resulting from intense exercise; the deficit must be made up when the body returns to rest

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: physical condition, physiological state, physiological condition

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.