organic
aw-GA-nihk
Organic (adj) means relating to or coming from living things. Example: “Organic matter in the soil helps plants grow.”
adj
1
Relating to or coming from living things.
"Organic matter in the soil helps plants grow."
"Fallen leaves are organic waste that can be turned into compost."
"Fossils are the organic remains of animals that lived long ago."
2
Grown or produced without artificial chemicals such as synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
"She only buys organic vegetables from the farmers' market."
"The farm switched to organic methods a decade ago."
"These organic eggs come from hens that roam freely outdoors."
3
Developing naturally and gradually, rather than being forced or artificially imposed.
"The company's growth has been organic, built on word of mouth rather than heavy advertising."
"Their friendship grew in an organic way, with no planning at all."
"The town's organic development meant its streets curve and wind unevenly."
4
In chemistry, relating to compounds containing carbon.
"Organic chemistry focuses on the structure and reactions of carbon-based molecules."
"Methane is one of the simplest organic compounds."
"Students must wear goggles in the organic chemistry lab."
How to use organic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNatural and free of artificial chemicals (for food), or developing naturally rather than being forced (for growth or change).
Common mistake
In marketing, "organic" search results or growth means unpaid/natural — not related to the food sense at all.
Common pairings
organic food
organic growth
organic chemistry
organic farming
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Word forms
- Plural
- organics
- Comparative
- more organic
- Superlative
- most organic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ matter in the soil helps plants grow.
Etymology
From Latin organicus, ultimately from Greek órganon, "instrument" or "organ."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for organic
See all rhymes for organic →Frequently asked questions
What does “organic” mean?
The word “organic” means relating to or coming from living things. In plain terms, natural and free of artificial chemicals (for food), or developing naturally rather than being forced (for growth or change).
How do you pronounce “organic”?
“Organic” is pronounced aw-GA-nihk (/oɹˈɡænɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “organic” in a sentence?
Here is “organic” used in a sentence: “Organic matter in the soil helps plants grow.”
What part of speech is “organic”?
“Organic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “organic” come from?
The word “organic” comes from Latin. From Latin organicus, ultimately from Greek órganon, "instrument" or "organ.".
Is “organic” a common word?
“Organic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “organic” have?
“Organic” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or coming from living things.
What is the difference between organic and inorganic?
Organic refers to things relating to or coming from living organisms — plants, animals, and their remains. Inorganic describes matter not derived from living things, such as rocks, metals, and minerals. In chemistry the split rests on carbon: organic compounds are carbon-based, while most inorganic ones are not.
What does 'organic' mean in food?
In food, organic means produced without synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, or genetic modification, following certified farming standards. It draws on the wider sense of the word — natural and derived from living things — to signal that crops and livestock are raised in a more natural way. Certified products carry an official label.
What are the meanings of organic?
The word has several linked senses. Broadly it means relating to living things. In farming it means grown naturally without synthetic chemicals. In chemistry it means carbon-based. Figuratively, 'organic' growth means something developing gradually and naturally rather than being forced or artificially arranged.
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