SPONTANEOUS FROGATION

joking reference to spontaneous generation, the now discredited theory that living organisms can originate in nonliving matter independently of other living matter. —Melbourne Congress Approved Glossary (2.4.92)

n.a humorous reference to spontaneous generation, a hypothetical process by which living organisms supposedly develop from nonliving matter (such as mud); also, the theory that uses this process to explain the origin of life.joking reference to spontaneous generation, the now discredited theory that living organisms can originate in nonliving matter independently of other living matter.