Organic

Definition

Organic refers to something derived from living organisms, free from synthetic chemicals or pesticides, or pertaining to the branch of chemistry dealing with carbon compounds.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɔrˈɡænɪk/
• Respelling: or-GAN-ik (with "or" as in "or," "GAN" as in "can," and "ik" as in "pick")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɔːˈɡænɪk/
• Respelling: or-GAN-ik (similar to American English, with "or" as in "or," "GAN" as in "can," and "ik" as in "pick")

In both dialects, "organic" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "GAN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "or-GAN-ik."

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word "ὀργανικός" (organikos) meaning "of or pertaining to an organ, instrumental". By the 18th century, the term evolved to mean "characteristic of, pertaining to, or derived from living organisms". The chemical sense of the term, relating to carbon compounds, arose in the 19th century.

Derivatives

• Organically (adverb form)
• Organicity (quality of being organic)
• Organicism (theory that the universe is best understood as analogous to an organism)
• Organicist (one who supports or practices organicism)
• Organics (used as a noun to refer to organic products or substances)

Synonyms

• Natural
• Biological
• Unrefined

Antonyms

• Inorganic
• Synthetic
• Artificial

Usage

"Organic" can describe foods grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. It can also refer to carbon-based compounds, in the realm of organic chemistry.

• Many people prefer organic foods because they believe they are healthier and safer.
• The university offers an organic chemistry course every fall semester.

Related Terms

• Biodegradable
• Ecosystem
• Green
• Sustainable
• Eco-friendly

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Derived from Living Matter: Relating to or derived from living matter, especially in agriculture where it pertains to food produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.‍
• Example: He only buys organic fruits and vegetables because of their health benefits.

• Pertaining to Carbon Compounds: Of, relating to, or denoting compounds containing carbon (other than simple binary compounds and salts) and chiefly or ultimately of biological origin.‍
• Example: She was always fascinated by the complexities of organic molecules.

• Inherent, Fundamental: Denoting a relation between elements of something such that they fit together harmoniously as necessary parts of a whole.‍
• Example: The building's design was an organic blend of modern and traditional elements.

Noun

• Organic Substance or Food:A food or food product that has been certified to meet specific standards of organic production, such as being free from certain chemicals and produced using sustainable farming practices.‍
• Example: She filled her cart with organics during her weekly trip to the grocery store.