astrobiology
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of astrobiology
Explanation
Astrobiology is a branch of science that studies life throughout the universe. If you're fascinated by the possibility of living beings on other planets, you might want to go into astrobiology. Astrobiology is formed by adding astro-, "star," to biology, "the study of life." This field, focusing on the origins, evolution, and future of life in the universe, starts with the assumption that extraterrestrial life probably exists. Astrobiology includes the history of life on our planet, evidence for life elsewhere, and research into making other planets habitable for humans. NASA's Mars missions, which search for signs of life on the red planet, are an example of astrobiology research.
Vocabulary lists containing astrobiology
Elements of the Universe: Aster, Astro ("Star")
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astro, aster
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: ast, aster, astro
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This chemical relationship is also important in astrobiology, which investigates the possibility of life beyond Earth and the environmental conditions that could support it, including habitable environments within our Solar System.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026
The search for life on Mars or on icy moons such as Europa and Enceladus may capture more attention, but another major astrobiology mystery is much closer to home.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 17, 2026
Until recently, most research focused on its role in underground microbial ecosystems and its potential importance for astrobiology and space exploration.
From Science Daily ● May 20, 2026
“I did not see myself in an astrobiology lab,” Flores said from her office at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, where she has worked since 2023 as an engineering associate.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2024
“The astrobiology community is trying to find the perfect biosignature to look for,” says Lena Noack, a geodynamicist of the Free University of Berlin.
From Science Magazine ● Apr. 26, 2024
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