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organic

or-GAN-ik /ɔːrˈɡænɪk/

adjectiveB1IELTSTOEFL

scientificcommercial

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

In a scientific context, it refers to carbon-based life; in farming, it specifically denotes a regulated method of production that avoids synthetics.

The story behind the word. Originally, 'organic' meant anything related to a living organ or instrument. In the 18th century, it moved into chemistry to describe compounds found in living things. It wasn't until the 1940s that it was applied to farming to describe a 'holistic' view of the farm as a single living organism.

Word relationships

natural: 'Natural' is a broad, often unregulated term, while 'organic' implies specific agricultural standards.

synthetic: Synthetic refers to man-made chemicals, whereas organic relies on natural processes.

Commonly confused with

inorganic: Inorganic refers to matter not derived from living organisms, often minerals or chemicals.

Word family

organism (noun): An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.

Collocations

organic farming
certified organic
organic matter

Idioms & expressions

grow organically

Example sentences

"The term 'organic' was first used in relation to farming by Lord Northbourne in his 1940 book 'Look to the Land'." Historical origin of the term in farming. (Northbourne, L. (1940). Look to the Land.)

Memory hook

Think of an 'organ' in your body; organic farming treats the whole farm like a living, breathing organ that needs natural care. Organic = Organ-like (living system).

When not to use

Do not use 'organic' to simply mean 'natural' or 'healthy' in a vague sense; in many countries, it is a legally protected term with specific certification requirements.

Fun facts

The first 'organic' label was actually created to distinguish soil-grown food from the then-new hydroponic (water-grown) food.