organism
AW-guh-nih-zuhm
Organism (noun) means a complete, living individual thing, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or microbe. Example: “A single-celled organism can still carry out all the basic functions of life.”
noun
1
A complete, living individual thing, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or microbe.
"A single-celled organism can still carry out all the basic functions of life."
"Scientists discovered a new organism living near deep-sea vents."
"Under the microscope, the tiny organism swam in the drop of pond water."
2
A complex system made up of interdependent parts, compared to a living thing.
"The company operates like a single organism, with every department relying on the others."
"A city is a living organism, constantly changing as people and businesses come and go."
"Think of the internet as one vast organism that grows whenever a new network joins it."
How to use organism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA living thing, from a bacterium to a human — or, more loosely, any complex system whose parts depend on each other.
Common pairings
living organism
single-celled organism
complex organism
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Word forms
- Plural
- organisms
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A single-celled _____ can still carry out all the basic functions of life.
Etymology
From "organ" plus "-ism," ultimately from Greek órganon, "instrument."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for organism
humanism
veganism
shamanism
mechanism
hooliganism
microorganism
vegetarianism
republicanism
equestrianism
utilitarianism
authoritarianism
See all rhymes for organism →
Frequently asked questions
What does “organism” mean?
The word “organism” means a complete, living individual thing, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or microbe. In plain terms, a living thing, from a bacterium to a human — or, more loosely, any complex system whose parts depend on each other.
How do you pronounce “organism”?
“Organism” is pronounced AW-guh-nih-zuhm (/ˈɔɹ.ɡəˌnɪz.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “organism” in a sentence?
Here is “organism” used in a sentence: “A single-celled organism can still carry out all the basic functions of life.”
What is another word for “organism”?
Words with a similar meaning to “organism” include being and biont.
What part of speech is “organism”?
“Organism” is a noun.
Where does the word “organism” come from?
The word “organism” comes from Greek. From "organ" plus "-ism," ultimately from Greek órganon, "instrument.".
Is “organism” a common word?
“Organism” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “organism” have?
“Organism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a complete, living individual thing, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or microbe.
What is the difference between an "organism" and a "species"?
An "organism" is a single, complete living individual, such as one animal, plant, fungus, or microbe. A "species" is a broader classification category that groups organisms sharing common characteristics and the ability to interbreed.
Can a virus be called an "organism"?
Whether a virus counts as an "organism" is debated among scientists, since a complete, living individual thing typically must carry out independent life processes, and viruses rely entirely on host cells to reproduce. Many biologists exclude viruses from the strict definition of organism for this reason.
What does "organism" mean outside of biology?
Outside biology, "organism" can describe a complex system made up of interdependent parts, compared metaphorically to a living thing, such as calling a large institution or society "a living organism." This figurative use highlights how the parts function together as a whole.
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