Definition of panspermia

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< Pan-Slavism

pansy >

pan·sper·mi·a

n-spûr

) KEY

NOUN:

The theory that microorganisms or biochemical compounds from outer space are responsible for originating life on Earth and possibly in other parts of the universe where suitable atmospheric conditions exist.

ETYMOLOGY:
Greek panspermi, mixture of all seeds : pan-, pan- + sperma, seed ; see sperm¹

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