A hypothetical organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a hypothetical organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter [syn: autogenesis , autogeny , spontaneous generation ]

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context biology English) The origination of living organisms from lifeless matter; such genesis as does not involve the action of living parents; spontaneous generation. (Late 19 th century.) (R:SOED5: page=4)

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Abiogenesis (Brit.: or ) or biopoiesis or OoL (Origins of Life), is the natural process of life arising from non-living matter, such as simple organic compounds . It is thought to have occurred on Earth between 3.8 and 4.1 billion years ago. Abiogenesis ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Abiogenesis \Ab`i*o*gen"e*sis\, n. [Gr. 'a priv. + bi`os life + ge`nesis, origin, birth.] (Biol.) The supposed origination of living organisms from lifeless matter; such genesis as does not involve the action of living parents; spontaneous generation; ...