Organic
/ɔːrˈɡænɪk/
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to or derived from living matter; relating to or grown without the use of artificial chemicals.
/ɔːrˈɡænɪk/
Relating to or derived from living matter.
We try to eat organic vegetables because they are free of pesticides.
💡 Simply: It means something comes from nature and isn't made in a lab with chemicals. Like organic apples are grown without pesticides and fertilizers.
👶 For kids: Something that comes from plants or animals, like an organic apple.
More Examples
The soil is rich in organic matter.
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds.
How It's Used
"Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers."
"Organic chemistry deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds."
"We prefer organic foods."
Relating to the physical structure of an organism.
/ɔːrˈɡænɪk/
Relating to the structure of a living organism.
The intricate organic structure of the human body is a marvel of nature.
💡 Simply: It describes the way a living thing is made, like the organic design of a leaf.
👶 For kids: How a plant or animal's body is put together.
More Examples
They examined the organic composition of the leaves.
How It's Used
"The organic structure of the brain is incredibly complex."
Characterized by gradual or natural development.
/ɔːrˈɡænɪk/
The city's growth has been organic, with new buildings and districts added over time.
💡 Simply: It means something grows and changes naturally over time, like an organic business.
👶 For kids: Growing or changing naturally, like a plant grows from a seed.
More Examples
The company's organic approach to marketing proved successful.
How It's Used
"The organic growth of democracy takes time and patience."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Late Latin organicus, from Greek organikos ('relating to an organ'), originally pertaining to bodily organs, then to organized structure or system, and eventually to living things. The modern scientific sense of "containing carbon compounds" emerged in the 19th century.
Originally used in chemistry, the term shifted in meaning over time to encompass living things and products grown without artificial chemicals. The agricultural sense grew in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of 'organs' in a body. Organic things are made of and from living beings.
Word Origin
"organikos (relating to an organ), from organon (tool, instrument, organ)"