Biosphere
/ˈbaɪ.əʊ.sfɪər/noun
The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.
Did you know?The term 'biosphere' connects deeply to ancient ideas of life being intertwined with the divine and cosmic forces.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
βίος (bios)
“life, mode of life”
19th Century
French
biosphère
“sphere of life, a concept of the environment supporting life”
1875
English
biosphere
“a term coined to describe the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.”
Modern English
English
biosphere
“the total global ecosystem, encompassing all living organisms.”