panspermia

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“
The idea of panspermia, that life on Earth arrived here from elsewhere, isn't new and hasn't been a personal favorite of mine.

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Definitions (2)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. noun The theory that microorganisms or biochemical compounds from outer space are responsible for originating life on Earth and possibly in other parts of the universe where suitable atmospheric conditions exist.

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Examples (45)

  • In fact, even if somehow panspermia was not operative 3.8 billion years ago when life appeared on our planet, it is almost certainly underway now—originating, if nowhere else, from the Earth! —  Analog, April 2002
  • This lends support to those who argue the theory of “panspermia,” under which terrestrial life arrived via a meteorite. —  Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Feb. 2002
  • Apparently it was also the hereditary molecule on Sigma Draconis II—which immediately revived old debates about panspermia, the notion that life on Earth had begun when microorganisms from outer space had chanced to land here. —  AnalogSFF,October2005
  • But there is also the concept of 'alien' panspermia which leaves open an interpretation of aliens being god and jumping on the Von Daniken bandwagon (but this contradicts theology presented elsewhere in the movie.) —  FlickFilosopher.com
  • Inspired by Wright's love for the theory of panspermia, the notion that life can be "seeded" from space, each —  SEEDMAGAZINE.COM
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Greek panspermiā, mixture of all seeds : pan-, pan- + sperma, seed; see sperm1.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. New Latin, from Greek πανσπερμία, mixture of all seeds: see panspermy.
 

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/pænˈspərmiə/
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