autogenny

Autogenny is an adjectival term used in several languages to denote phenomena that originate within a system, i.e., self-originating. In English, the more common equivalents are autogenic or autogenous. The word derives from Greek auto- 'self' and gen- 'origin', with the suffix -ny or -geny found in different languages.

In engineering and manufacturing, autogenous (or autogenny in some languages) describes processes that occur without adding external material: autogenous welding is welding performed without filler metal. In biology and agriculture, autogeny or autogenous reproduction refers to forms of development or reproduction that occur without external input; in some contexts autogenny may be used in place of autogenic to denote internal origin of substances or traits.

In geology and earth sciences, autogenic processes refer to those generated within a system rather than imposed from outside, such as internal deformation or diagenetic changes within rocks. The precise usage of autogenny varies by language and discipline, and English-language texts more commonly use autogenic or autogenous.

See also: autogenic, autogenous, autogamy, autogeny.