exobiology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exobiology" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the study of life beyond Earth, particularly in the context of astrobiology or the search for extraterrestrial life. Example: "The conference on exobiology attracted scientists from around the world who are researching the potential for life on other planets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The science of exobiology may soon cease to be an oxymoron.

The Economist

If it can remain liquid on the leg of a lander, perhaps it can do so elsewhere and thus (hope springs eternal) support life.Related items Exobiology: The lonely planet guideFeb 19th 2009.

The Economist

The balmy, watery past conjured up in the minds of the eternal optimists who inhabit the exobiology departments of the Earth's universities has been replaced by something more akin to a planet-sized version of the Dead Sea.To start with the positive, though, Phoenix's landing seems to have been picture-perfect.

The Economist

Unlike exobiology, astrobiology respects the scientific possibility that life beyond Earth may never be found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the dawn of space exploration, Lederberg coined the term exobiology to describe the scientific study of life outside Earth's atmosphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Astrobiology, a term coined for the study of all life anywhere in the universe (including Earth), has replaced exobiology, the study of extraterrestrial life exclusively and therefore criticizable as "a science that lacks a subject matter".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Billingham first learned of astrobiology, then called exobiology, in 1968, through the work of the astronomer and author Carl Sagan and others.

The New York Times - Science

The NASA venture — since diminished by administrative changes and financing cutbacks — was welcomed by those who advocate a search for extraterrestrial intelligence, known as SETI, and call the science "exobiology".

The New York Times - Health

The institute was founded specifically to study Yellowstone, and receives some of its financing from the exobiology branch of NASA, on the premise that life in the park's pools might shed light on the possibilities of life beyond Earth.

The New York Times

Something of a wordsmith, Dr. Lederberg coined the term exobiology, or the study of the possibility of alien life.

The New York Times

"Captured by Aliens" is about serious science and loony theories, and Achenbach writes with knowledge and wit, exploring everything between "ufology, with its gallivanting aliens, and mainstream exobiology, which would settle for a drop of water".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the broader field encompassing both terrestrial and extraterrestrial life, consider using "astrobiology" as it's a more inclusive and contemporary term than "exobiology".

Common error

Avoid using "exobiology" and "astrobiology" interchangeably without understanding their nuances. While related, "astrobiology" includes the study of life on Earth, while "exobiology" focuses exclusively on extraterrestrial life.

Linguistic Context

The term "exobiology" functions as a noun, referring to a specific branch of biology. Ludwig examples show it used in the context of scientific disciplines and NASA programs. Ludwig AI states its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41.66%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

33.34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exobiology" is a grammatically correct noun referring to the study of life beyond Earth. While often used interchangeably with "astrobiology", the latter is a broader term. As Ludwig AI confirms, "exobiology" is suitable for written English, with common usage in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. To avoid confusion, remember that "astrobiology" encompasses both terrestrial and extraterrestrial life, while "exobiology" focuses solely on extraterrestrial life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astrobiology

Broader term encompassing the study of life in the universe, including Earth.

extraterrestrial biology

Focuses specifically on the biology of life forms originating outside of Earth.

study of extraterrestrial life

Explicitly describes the research area concerned with life beyond Earth.

search for life beyond earth

Highlights the investigative aspect of seeking life outside our planet.

planetary biology

Emphasizes the biological study of planets and their potential habitability.

xenobiology

Focuses on creating and studying forms of life that are not found in nature.

cosmobiology

Examines the relationship between the cosmos and living organisms.

bioastronomy

Combines astronomy and biology to search for life in the universe.

life in space

General term for the possibility and study of living organisms existing in outer space.

extraterrestrial life research

Describes the investigative efforts dedicated to understanding life outside Earth.

FAQs

What is the difference between "exobiology" and "astrobiology"?

"Exobiology" traditionally focuses on the search for life beyond Earth, while "astrobiology" is a broader field that also includes the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life on Earth.

When is it appropriate to use "exobiology" instead of "astrobiology"?

Use "exobiology" when specifically referring to the search for extraterrestrial life. If you are discussing life in the universe more broadly, including on Earth, "astrobiology" is more appropriate.

Is "exobiology" still a current term in scientific research?

Yes, although "astrobiology" has become more prevalent, "exobiology" is still used, particularly in contexts that specifically address the search for life beyond Earth.

How can I use "exobiology" in a sentence?

You can use "exobiology" in a sentence like: "The NASA program dedicated significant resources to "exobiology" research in the hopes of discovering microbial life on Mars."