: the origin of life from nonliving matter
specifically : a theory in the evolution of early life on earth: organic molecules and subsequent simple life forms first originated from inorganic substances
According to the conventional hypothesis, the earliest living cells emerged as a result of chemical evolution on our planet billions of years ago in a process called abiogenesis. David Warmflash et al.

Examples of abiogenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Specifically, Tour believes that abiogenesis scientists have been unable to convincingly demonstrate naturally occurring pathways for molecules, such as proteins and amino acids, to create living cells. The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 As such, humans have long wondered whether our world is the only place where life has emerged — a process known as abiogenesis. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 29 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + bio- + genesis

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abiogenesis was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near abiogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Abiogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abiogenesis. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

abiogenesis

noun
: the origin of life from nonliving matter
specifically : a theory in the evolution of early life on earth: organic molecules and subsequent simple life forms first originated from inorganic substances

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