# abiogeny

CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

the scientific study of how life first began on Earth. It looks at how simple chemicals might have turned into living cells over billions of years.

For teachers: the branch of science concerned with the origin of life from non-living matter. It investigates the chemical and physical processes that led to the first self-replicating systems.

## Examples

- Scientists are still researching abiogeny to understand life's beginnings.
- The discovery of organic molecules on Mars has reignited interest in abiogeny and the potential for life beyond Earth.
- While the exact mechanisms of abiogeny remain a subject of intense debate, many researchers agree that the transition from inorganic chemistry to biological life required specific environmental conditions and a vast amount of time.

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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.