organ
AW-guhn
Organ (noun) means a part of the body, such as the heart or liver, that performs a specific function. Example: “A kidney is an organ that filters waste from the blood.”
noun
1
A part of the body, such as the heart or liver, that performs a specific function.
"A kidney is an organ that filters waste from the blood."
"The lungs are the organs responsible for breathing."
"Doctors monitored all of his vital organs after the surgery."
2
A large musical instrument played using one or more keyboards and pedals, producing sound through pipes or electronically.
"He practised the organ every Sunday before the morning service began."
"The electronic organ in the shop had hundreds of sounds and a full set of pedals."
"The church organ filled the hall with deep, resonant chords."
3
A publication or broadcast that serves as the official voice of an organization or group.
"The monthly magazine is the official organ of the local gardening society."
"The union's weekly bulletin serves as its organ, reporting news to every member."
"The newspaper became the official organ of the political party."
How to use organ
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA body part with a job to do, a large keyboard instrument, or the official mouthpiece of a group.
Common pairings
vital organs
organ donor
pipe organ
play the organ
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- organs
- Past tense
- organed
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A kidney is an _____ that filters waste from the blood.
Etymology
From Latin organum, from Greek órganon, meaning "a tool" or "instrument" — the same root gives us "organic" and "organize."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for organ
See all rhymes for organ →Frequently asked questions
What does “organ” mean?
The word “organ” means a part of the body, such as the heart or liver, that performs a specific function. In plain terms, a body part with a job to do, a large keyboard instrument, or the official mouthpiece of a group.
How do you pronounce “organ”?
“Organ” is pronounced AW-guhn (/ˈɔɹɡən/ in IPA).
How do you use “organ” in a sentence?
Here is “organ” used in a sentence: “The lungs are the organs responsible for breathing.”
What part of speech is “organ”?
“Organ” is a noun.
Where does the word “organ” come from?
The word “organ” comes from Latin. From Latin organum, from Greek órganon, meaning "a tool" or "instrument" — the same root gives us "organic" and "organize.".
Is “organ” a common word?
“Organ” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “organ” have?
“Organ” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part of the body, such as the heart or liver, that performs a specific function.
What is the difference between an organ and a tissue in biology?
A tissue is a group of similar cells working together, while an organ is a body part, such as the heart or liver, made of different tissues that combine to perform a specific function. In short, tissues are the building blocks that form an organ.
What is the difference between a pipe organ and an electric organ?
Both are the large keyboard instrument called an organ, but a pipe organ produces sound by pushing air through pipes, while an electric or electronic organ generates sound electronically. The pipe version is traditional and often built into churches, whereas electronic organs are smaller and more portable.
Why is the word organ used for both a body part and a musical instrument?
Organ has two distinct meanings: a functional part of the body such as the heart or liver, and a large keyboard instrument that produces sound through pipes or electronically. Context makes the intended sense clear, since one relates to biology and the other to music.
What is the difference between an organ and an organ system?
An organ is a single body part, such as the heart or liver, that carries out a specific function. An organ system is a group of organs that work together, such as the digestive system, so the organ is one component within the larger system.
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