abiotic

Definition

Nonliving, inanimate, characterised by the absence of life; of inorganic matter.

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 (-ĭkós).

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: nonbiological, nonbiologic"

Related Words