abiotic

See also: abiòtic

English

Etymology

First attested in 1874. From a- +‎ biotic, the first element from Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-) and the second from Ancient Greek βιωτικός (biōtikós, “of life”), from βίος (bíos, “life”) +‎ -ῐκός (-ikós).

Pronunciation
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌeɪ.baɪˈɑt.ɪk/

Adjective

abiotic (not comparable)

  1. Nonliving, inanimate, characterised by the absence of life; of inorganic matter. [Mid 20th century.][1]
  2. Tending to inhibit or destroy life; antibiotic; incompatible with life. [Mid 20th century.][1]

Derived terms

Translations

References
  1. “abiotic” in Lesley Brown, editor, The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 5th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 4.
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