spontaneous generation

noun

, Biology.

1. abiogenesis.

spontaneous generation

noun

1. 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 calledabiogenesis

spontaneous generation

1. 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.
2. Also called abiogenesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of spontaneous generation¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

In other words, they observed the spontaneous generation of neurons that reacted minimally to various other sounds like those of animals, nature, or machines, but showed high levels of response to various forms of music including both instrumental and vocal.

From Science Daily

Put another way, the show refutes the idea of the spontaneous generation of masterpieces.

From New York Times

To settle the scientific battle, the French Academy of Sciences sponsored a contest for the best experiment to prove or disprove spontaneous generation.

From Salon

At the time, the scientific notion of "spontaneous generation" held that life can arise from nonliving matter, which was believed to be the culprit behind wine spoiling.

From Salon

While many scientists tried to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation, in 1745, English biologist John Turberville Needham believed he had created the perfect experiment favoring spontaneous generation.

From Salon