Gaia Hypothesis Definition

gīə, gāə

noun

The theory that the earth is a group of interdependent organisms and environmental systems that function as a single, self-regulating organism.

Webster's New World

Any of various related hypotheses stating that this system is self-regulating, as through feedback loops, or that it constitutes a living organism, in either case acting to maintain stable conditions that are optimal for the continuation of life.

American Heritage Medicine

Origin of Gaia Hypothesis

After Gaia used by British scientist and environmentalist James Lovelock (born 1919) to refer to the totality of Earth's biota as a superorganism

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition