Scientific Terms That Came From Science Fiction

Scientists have drawn inspiration from science fiction when naming theories, phenomena, branches of study, and more. Here are six examples:

1. Robotics – first mentioned in Isaac Asimov’s 1941 story “Liar!”

2. Genetic engineering – first mentioned in Dragon’s Island by Jack Williamson

3. Zero-g – first mentioned in Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke

4. Deep space – coined by one of the earliest science fiction writers, E.E. “Doc” Smith, in 1934

5. Computer virus – from Dave Gerrold’s 1972 story “When Harlie Was One”

6. Computer worm – from Shockwave Rider by Dave Gerrold

(Source: Oxford University Press)

Comment on this article

Similar Articles:

• The Forms Fiction Can Take
• Word to the Wise: Grok
• It’s Good to Know: The Latest Hacking Technology
• It’s Good to Know: The Grawlix
• The Silkworm Diet