: not biotic : abiological
the abiotic environment

Examples of abiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But most disagreed, ascribing them to abiotic reactions and stressing that, overall, the Viking data paint a picture of a dead planet. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 July 2026 This is an abiotic or physiological disorder known as blossom end rot. — Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026 There is no shortage of abiotic mechanisms that could create such a material. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 Further experiments showed that the same tiny formations can be the result of geologic—completely abiotic—processes. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abiotic

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + biotic

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abiotic was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abiotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abiotic. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

abiotic

adjective
: not living or composed of living things
water and rock are abiotic

Medical Definition

abiotic

adjective
: not biotic : abiological
the abiotic environment
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