Home › Physical Sciences & Cosmology › Organic Chemistry & Polymers › Organic

Organic

or-GAN-ik /ɔːrˈɡænɪk/

adjectiveB2SATTOEFL

generaltechnical

Relating to or derived from living matter; (in chemistry) relating to or denoting compounds containing carbon, especially when combined with hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.

In chemistry, 'organic' specifically refers to compounds containing carbon-hydrogen bonds. In general use, it often means natural, free from artificial chemicals, or related to living organisms.

The story behind the word. The word 'organic' comes from the Greek 'organon,' meaning 'instrument,' 'tool,' or 'organ.' It initially referred to anything related to living organisms or their 'organs.' When chemistry began to distinguish between compounds derived from living things and those from minerals, the term 'organic chemistry' was coined to study the former. Over time, its chemical definition evolved to focus on carbon-containing compounds, as carbon is the backbone of life.

Word relationships

natural: General sense of 'organic' (from nature), but not its chemical meaning.
carbon-based: More precise chemical term, though 'organic' is standard.

inorganic: In chemistry, refers to compounds not containing carbon-hydrogen bonds (or simple carbon compounds like CO2).
synthetic: In the general sense, refers to artificial or man-made.

Commonly confused with

Inorganic: Organic compounds contain carbon-hydrogen bonds; inorganic compounds typically do not (e.g., salts, metals, simple oxides).

Word family

organically (adverb): in an organic manner; naturally
organism (noun): an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form

Collocations

organic chemistry
organic compounds
organic matter
organic food
organic farming

Example sentences

"The professor specialized in organic reactions involving complex ring structures." Organic chemistry is a vast field dedicated to the study of carbon-containing compounds.
"Petroleum is a rich source of various organic chemicals used in industry." Many common household products, from plastics to medicines, are based on organic compounds.
"She preferred to buy organic vegetables, believing them to be healthier and more environmentally friendly." The farmer proudly displayed his organic produce at the market.

Memory hook

Think 'ORGAN-ism' (a living thing) and 'ORGAN-ic' (related to living things or the carbon compounds they're made of). Carbon of life.

When not to use

Do not use 'organic' in a chemical context if the compound does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., CO2 is not organic in chemistry). Do not use it generally to mean 'good' or 'healthy' without specific justification.

Fun facts

The distinction between 'organic' and 'inorganic' chemistry was once thought to be absolute, with 'vital force' believed necessary to create organic compounds.
Carbon's unique ability to form four stable bonds and create long chains and rings is why it forms the basis of organic chemistry and life itself.