spontaneous generation

spontaneous generation

n.

See abiogenesis.

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spontaneous generation

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) a theory, widely held in the 19th century and earlier but now discredited, stating that living organisms could arise directly and rapidly from nonliving material Also called abiogenesis

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spontaneous generation

The supposed development of living organisms from nonliving matter, as maggots from rotting meat. The theory of spontaneous generation for larger organisms was easily shown to be false, but the theory was not fully discredited until the mid-19th century with the demonstration of the existence and reproduction of microorganisms, most notably by Louis Pasteur. Also called abiogenesis.

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spontaneous generation

abiogenesis.

See also: Life

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

spontaneous generation - a hypothetical organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter abiogenesis, autogenesis, autogeny organic phenomenon - (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals