Definition

Not contaminated by or associated with any other living organisms, often used to describe pure cultures of microorganisms that do not have any other organisms present.

Example

The laboratory maintained an axenic environment to ensure the purity of the microbial cultures.

Conversation

Did you know that some labs work with axenic cultures?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they're free from any other living organisms.

That sounds interesting! I guess it helps in studying them better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Axenic → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "xenos" (from Greek, meaning stranger or foreign). The word "axenic" refers to a condition of being free from any foreign organisms, particularly in microbiology.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') any 'stranger' ('xenos') — that's why axenic means free from foreign organisms.

Visually Confused Words