# abiogenous

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abiogenous
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing something that comes from nothing or is created without a parent. In science, it refers to the idea that life started from non-living matter.

For teachers: relating to the spontaneous generation of life from non-living matter. Often used in the context of abiogenesis, the scientific theory of how life first emerged on Earth.

## Examples

- Scientists study abiogenous processes to understand how life began.
- The theory of abiogenesis suggests that complex organic molecules formed abiogenously in the early Earth's atmosphere.
- While modern biology has largely rejected the concept of spontaneous generation, the study of abiogenous chemical reactions remains central to understanding the transition from inorganic to organic matter.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.