panspermia, panspermy

[Pref. pan-, and Gr. sperm a =seed; Fr. & Ger. pans permie.] Nat. Science : The name for a system, according to which germs are di eminated in all parts of the earth and of space which surrounds it, developing themselves when they encounter bodies fitted to retain and make them grow, and increasing only when they contain all organic resemblance to that into which they are introduced. ( Mayne . ) păn-spêr-mic, a. [English, ., pansperm ( ia ); suff. -ic. Of or belonging to Panspermia (q. v.). ( Mayne.)