Life

244. Life

See also 44. BIOLOGY ; 430. ZOOLOGY

abiogenesis

Biology. the production of living organisms from inanimate matter. Also called spontaneous generation . —abiogenetic , adj.

abiosis

a state or condition in which life is absent. —abiotic, abiotical , adj.

anabiosis

a revival or return to a living state after apparent death. —anabiotic , adj.

athanasia

immortality.

biochemistry

the study of the chemical processes that take place in living organisms. —biochemist , n. —biochemical , adj.

biogenesis, biogeny

1. the process by which living organisms develop from other living organisms.

2. the belief that this process is the only way in which living organisms can develop. —biogenetic, biogenic , adj.

biology

the science or study of all manner of life and living organisms. —biologist , n. —biological , adj.

biolysis

the destruction of life, as by bacteria. —biolytic , adj.

biometrics, biometry.

1. the calculation of the probable extent of human lifespans.

2. the application to biology of mathematical and statistical theory and methods. —biometric, biometrical , adj.

biosphere

that part of the earth’s surface where most forms of life exist, specifically those parts where there is water or atmosphere.

mechanism

Philosophy. the theory or doctrine that all the phenomena of the universe, especially life, can ultimately be explained in terms of physics and chemistry and that the difference between organic and inorganic lies only in degree. Cf. vitalism . —mechanist , n. —mechanistic , adj.

ontogenesis

ontogeny. —ontogenetic, ontogenetical , adj.

ontogeny

the life cycle, development, or developmental history of an organism. Also called ontogenesis . —ontogenic , adj.

parthenogenesis

Biology. the development of an egg or seed without fertilization. Also called unigenesis . —parthenogenetic , adj.

physiology

the branch of biology that studies the functions and vital processes of living organisms. —physiologist , n. —physiologic, physiological , adj.

spontaneous generation

abiogenesis.

unigenesis

asexual reproduction; parthenogenesis. —unigenetic , adj.

vitalism

1. Philosophy. the doctrine that phenomena are only partly controlled by mechanistic forces and are in some measure self-determining.

2. Biology. the doctrine that the life in living organisms is caused and sustained by a vital principle that is distinct from all physical and chemical forces. Cf. mechanism . —vitalist , n. —vitalistic , adj.

vitativeness

Phrenology. 1. the love of life and fear of death.

2. the organ serving as the seat of instincts of self-preservation.

zoism

1. Philosophy. a doctrine that the phenomena of life are controlled by a vital principle, as Bergson’s élan vital.

2. a high regard for animal life.

3. a belief in animal magnetism. —zoist , n. —zoistic , adj.