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organic

or-GAN-ik /ɔːrˈɡæn.ɪk/

adjectiveB1IELTSTOEFL

generalcommercial

produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.

In a strict legal sense, it refers to specific certification standards; in a general sense, it refers to natural processes.

The story behind the word. From the Greek 'organon', meaning an instrument or tool. In the 18th century, it began to refer to 'organized' living structures. The term 'organic farming' was coined in 1940 by Lord Northbourne, who saw the farm as a single, living 'organism'.

Word relationships

natural: A much broader and often unregulated term that doesn't guarantee specific farming practices.
biological: Often used in Europe ('bio') as a synonym for organic.

synthetic: Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product.
conventional: The standard industrial method of farming using chemicals.

Commonly confused with

natural: 'Organic' is a regulated legal standard; 'natural' is often just a marketing term.

Word family

organism (noun): an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form
organically (adverb): in a way that uses natural processes

Collocations

organic farming
organic produce
certified organic

Example sentences

"The first principle of organic farming is that the soil is a living organism." Foundational text
"Sales of organic produce have skyrocketed as people become more concerned about pesticide residues." Consumer choice

Memory hook

'Organic' = 'Organism'—treat the whole farm like one living creature. No chemicals, just life.

When not to use

In chemistry, 'organic' means any compound containing carbon, which includes many synthetic pesticides. Be careful with the context.

Fun facts

The 'Organic' label is one of the most strictly regulated food labels in the United States and Europe.