Meanings
proper noun
- The idea that both the biosphere and the inorganic components of Earth interact to form a coherent, complex system that allows for life to persist.
Antonyms: Medea hypothesis
Synonyms & antonyms
proper nounThe idea that both the biosphere and the inorganic components of Earth interact to form a coherent, complex system that allows for life to persist.
Opposite
Medea hypothesis
Origin
Coined by American scientist James Lovelock in reference to the Greek goddess Gaia.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
APA
Gaia hypothesis. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Gaia%20hypothesis
MLA
“Gaia hypothesis.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Gaia%20hypothesis. Accessed November 4, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Gaia hypothesis,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Gaia%20hypothesis.
Source: Gaia hypothesis on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.