Meaning & use
abiogenesis
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The natural process by which living organisms are thought to have originated from non-living matter, especially in reference to the origin of life on early Earth.
See it in a sentence
Scientists studying abiogenesis look for chemical pathways that could turn simple molecules into self-replicating life.
The theory of abiogenesis remains an active area of research, though no experiment has yet recreated the full transition from chemistry to biology.
A note on using this word
Coined from Greek roots meaning 'without' (a-), 'life' (bio-), and 'origin' (genesis); it contrasts with biogenesis, the idea that life arises only from existing life.
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