exobiology

[ ek-soh-bahy-ol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of life beyond the earth's atmosphere, as on other planets.

exobiology

/ ˌɛksəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. another name for astrobiology

exobiology

/ ĕk′sō-bī-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The branch of biology that deals with the search for extraterrestrial life and the effects of extraterrestrial surroundings on living organisms.
2. Also called astrobiology

Derived Forms

• ˌexobiˈologist, noun

Other Words From

• ex·o·bi·o·log·i·cal [ek-soh-bahy-, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• exo·bi·olo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exobiology¹

First recorded in 1955–60; exo- + biology

Example Sentences

The data Europa Clipper collects will help scientists determine whether the icy moon really is the prime exobiology candidate they think that it may be.

From Los Angeles Times

They hoped the exobiology program “could serve as a neutral scientific counterpart to the hawkish satellite, missile, and manned-craft programs that formed the technological and economic core of the space program,” she wrote.

From New York Times

Frances Westall, director of the exobiology group at the French National Center for Scientific Research’s Center for Molecular Biophysics in Orléans, notes that forming the bases requires very specific conditions.

From Scientific American

The scientists say some findings enter the realm of philosophy and exobiology – the study of extraterrestrial life.

From The Guardian

Schulze-Makuch has published extensively on exobiology and extraterrestrial life both in the scientific literature and in writing for the general public; he’s the author of four popular books and two novels.

From Scientific American