bio-, bi-, -bia, -bial, -bian, -bion, -biont, -bius, -biosis, -bium, -biotic, -biotical

The progressive loss of vitality of certain tissues or organs leading to disorders or loss of function; applied especially to degenerative hereditary diseases .

The sum of all the nonliving components of an environment or habitat; a nonbiotic habitat: For her master's thesis, Jill studied the abiocoen in a small and defined area.

1. The (supposed) origin or evolution of living organisms from lifeless matter without the action of living parents; spontaneous generation (introduced by Professor Thomas H. Huxley when addressing the British Association at Liverpool, September, 1870): Our professor explained the theory of abiogenesis when we were learning about the evolution of species.
2. The now discredited theory that living organisms can be spontaneously generated directly from nonliving matter: There are conflicts as to whether abiogenesis has any validity.
3. Spontaneous generation; the concept that life can simply arise spontaneously from nonliving matter by natural processes without the intervention of supernatural powers: There have been many throughout history who have strived to disprove the theory of abiogenesis.

Of or pertaining to that which does not result from the activities of living organisms: The former abiogenetic theory that plant and animal life can spontaneously arise from nonliving organic matter in a relatively short period of time has been rejected by just about everyone.

Relating to a condition of not being involved in or produced by living organisms: On TV, the biologists argued about how impractical it would be if any abiogenetically spontaneous existence of life could possibly exist.

A reference to creatures not being derived from living organisms and so occurring independently of life or life processes, but perhaps preceding or leading to them: As late as the 17th century, people believed in the spontaneous or abiogenic generation of worms, fish, frogs, and even mice from dew, slime, and mud.

The theory that hydrocarbon deposits have a primarily non-biological origin.

According to this concept, such materials became trapped far below the earth's crust when the basic structure of the planet evolved, and have subsequently migrated into reservoirs and to the surface through openings in in the earth's crust.

Contrasted with the more generally accepted biogenic theory that hydrocarbon deposits derive from the remains of living organisms.

A person who holds or advocates the hypothesis of the organic phenomenon by which living organisms are created from nonliving matter: There was a whole school of abiogenists during the 17th century who are now the subject of amusement in modern science.

Pertaining to the coming into existence without springing from previous living beings: There are those who claim that abiogenous creatures were produced spontaneously without any previous living ancestors.

A reference to inanimate or non-living things: Rocks, for example are abiological and have not been created by organisms.

A process of degeneration of the nerve cells in the central nervous system.

The study of inorganic processes or functions in living species: Abiophysiology involves research in the physical and chemical phenomena of living organisms as distinguished from the living matter; such as, organs, tissues, or cells.

The non-living components of the total particulate matter that is suspended in water.

1. That which is devoid of life; nonliving: Geology is another example of abiosis or the study of nonliving matter.
2. Anything that is deficient or absent of life: The primary goal of space exploration is to study the abioses of other planets.

1. A reference to the absence, or deficiency, of life: Is there such a thing as the abiotic existence of matter that is devoid of life or any specific life conditions?

Characterized by the absence of life, inanimate; such as, sand, gravel, stones, etc. all of which are abiotic.

2. Relating to, or caused by, nonliving environmental factors: Many of the abiotic conditions are destructive of living organisms; including temperature, water, soil, pH, and salinity.