spontaneous generation

n (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

a•bi•o•gen•e•sis

(ˌeɪ baɪ oʊˈdʒɛn ə sɪs, ˌæb i oʊ-)

n. the production of living organisms by nonliving matter; spontaneous generation: a former belief. (a-⁶ + biogenesis; coined by T. H. Huxley in 1870] a`bi•o•ge•net′ic (-dʒəˈnɛt ɪk) a`bi•o•ge•net′i•cal, adj. a`bi•o•ge•net′i•cal•ly, adv. a`bi•og′e•nist (-ˈɒdʒ ə nɪst) n.

spontaneous generation

abiogenesis.See also: Life

Thesaurus

Noun

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

Translations

génération spontanée

spontaneous generation

generation

[jen″er-a´shun] 1. the process of reproduction.2. a class composed of all individuals removed by the same number of successive ancestors from a common predecessor, or occupying positions on the same level in a genealogical (pedigree) chart.alternate generation reproduction by alternate asexual and sexual means in an animal or plant species.asexual generation (direct generation) production of a new organism not originating from union of gametes.first filial generation the first-generation offspring of two parents; symbol F₁.parental generation the generation with which a particular genetic study is begun; symbol P₁.second filial generation all of the offspring produced by two individuals of the first filial generation; symbol F₂.sexual generation production of a new organism from the cell formed by the union of a male gamete (spermatozoon) and a female gamete (oocyte).spontaneous generation the discredited concept of continuous generation of living organisms from nonliving matter.