Gaia

noun

ˈgī-ə

: the hypothesis that the living and nonliving components of earth function as a single system in such a way that the living component regulates and maintains conditions (such as the temperature of the ocean or composition of the atmosphere) so as to be suitable for life

also : this system regarded as a single organism

Word History

Etymology

after Greek Gaîa, a primordial earth goddess in Greek myth, literally, "earth" — more at geo-

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Gaia was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Gaia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gaia. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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