Latin quote · Science
Omne vivum ex ovo
“Every living thing comes from an egg.”
Associated with William Harvey
Translation
What does “Omne vivum ex ovo” mean?
Omne vivum ex ovo translates as “Every living thing comes from an egg.”
Life does not arise spontaneously but from earlier life. It is a foundation stone of modern biology.
Origin
The story behind it
The phrase is associated with William Harvey, whose 1651 book on the generation of animals carried the motto ‘Ex ovo omnia’; the form ‘Omne vivum ex ovo’ is the later summary of his teaching.
When to use it
How to use “Omne vivum ex ovo”
A fitting motto for a biology classroom or an Easter card with a scientific twist.
- Latin
- Omne vivum ex ovo
- English
- Every living thing comes from an egg.
- Source
- Associated with William Harvey
- Era
- Early modern
- Theme
- Science
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