Autogenetic

/ˌɔːtəˈdʒɛnɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Produced or generated from within; self-generated or self-originating.

Etymology

From 'autogenesis' plus the adjective suffix '-ic.' Used in geology and biology to describe processes occurring from internal sources rather than external causes.

Kelly Says

Geologists use 'autogenetic' to describe how soil forms in place from weathered rock underneath it—versus 'allogenic' soils that blow in from elsewhere, a key distinction in understanding landscapes.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.