Biogenic

/ˌbaɪoʊˈdʒɛn.ɪk/ adjective

Definition

Produced by living organisms or resulting from biological processes, like biogenic methane created by bacteria.

Etymology

From bio- (life) + -genic (from Greek gennān, 'to produce'). This term is used across biology, geology, and chemistry to describe anything created or caused by life.

Kelly Says

Biogenic describes anything made by living things—limestone can be biogenic (made from shells), oil can be biogenic (from dead organisms), methane can be biogenic (from bacteria), it's everywhere!

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