The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ANAEROBIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
N
A
E
R
O
B
I
C
More clues leading to the result ANAEROBIC
- Going without oxygen, coming round in panic I bore an airhole
- Shelled haricot bean disintegrated without oxygen
- Arab I once treated not in need of oxygen
- Like e.g. sprinting writer after running on area
- Be in a car suffering without oxygen? Without oxygen!
- Sort of exercise writer needed after a chocolate bar
- I care oxygen ban is revised – not!
- Vespucci bore a nautical upbringing, somewhat lacking in inspiration?
- ‘Life Without Oxygen‘ is a translation from neo- Arabic
- A new ice bar is planned, stocking nothing without oxygen
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "without oxygen" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case without oxygen = anaerobic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANAEROBIC mean?
ANAEROBIC adjective- Without oxygen; especially of an environment or organism.
- Of exercise, involving glycolysis (the conversion of glucose to adenosine triphosphate) rather than using oxygen to supply bodily energy needs.
- Of or relating to an anaerobe.