adj Uncommon

inorganic

ih-naw-GA-nihk

Inorganic (adj) means relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds. Example: “Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds.”

adj

Relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds.

"Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds."

Not arising naturally; artificially produced or promoted rather than growing on its own.

"The startup growth looked inorganic, fueled by paid ads rather than word of mouth."

How to use inorganic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot from living things (chemistry), or not happening naturally on its own (business/marketing).

Easily confused with

organic →

Common pairings

inorganic compound inorganic growth inorganic chemistry

Word forms

inorganics plural

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Fill the gap

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Rocks and minerals are made of _____ compounds.

Etymology

Formed from in- ("not") plus organic.

Rhymes for inorganic

manic panic organic titanic oceanic Hispanic Germanic mechanic volcanic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inorganic” mean?

The word “inorganic” means relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds. In plain terms, not from living things (chemistry), or not happening naturally on its own (business/marketing).

How do you pronounce “inorganic”?

“Inorganic” is pronounced ih-naw-GA-nihk (/ɪnɔɹˈɡænɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “inorganic” in a sentence?

Here is “inorganic” used in a sentence: “Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds.”

What part of speech is “inorganic”?

“Inorganic” is an adjective.

Is “inorganic” a common word?

“Inorganic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “inorganic” have?

“Inorganic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds.

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Vocabulary lists that include inorganic:

Words that end with C