anthropogenic
|an-thro-po-gen-ic|
/ˌænθrəpəˈdʒɛnɪk/
human-caused
Etymology
'anthropogenic' originates from New Latin and modern scientific formation combining Greek elements: 'anthropo-' from Greek 'ánthrōpos' meaning 'human' and '-genic' from Greek 'genḗs' meaning 'born' or 'producing'.
'anthropogenic' was formed in modern scientific English (late 19th to early 20th century) by joining the combining form 'anthropo-' and the suffix '-genic' to denote things produced by humans; both elements ultimately trace back to ancient Greek.
Initially and throughout its history it has meant 'produced by or resulting from human beings'; usage has become especially common and specialized in environmental and climate science to refer to human-caused impacts (e.g., anthropogenic climate change).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
anthropogenicity: the state or quality of being anthropogenic; the degree to which something is caused by human activity (noun form derived from 'anthropogenic').
Researchers assessed the anthropogenicity of the contaminant in the river.
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Adjective 1
originating in, resulting from, or caused by human activities (often used of environmental change, pollution, or impacts on ecosystems).
Scientists warn that anthropogenic emissions are driving global climate change.
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Last updated: 2025/08/25 20:20