organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
These vents are rich in iron sulfides, compounds that play a role in carbon fixation, a fundamental process by which organisms convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
Sometimes these mutations have little effect on its ability to transmit between organisms or cause severe disease.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
Author and journalist Ed Yong uses the German term umwelt to describe an organism’s unique sensory perspectives.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024
How to Tell When Your Water Bottle Is Dirty
Acceptable levels of heterotrophic organisms, also known as heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), vary by country.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 17 Nov. 2024
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
Sometimes these mutations have little effect on its ability to transmit between organisms or cause severe disease.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
Author and journalist Ed Yong uses the German term umwelt to describe an organism’s unique sensory perspectives.
—Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024
How to Tell When Your Water Bottle Is Dirty
Acceptable levels of heterotrophic organisms, also known as heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), vary by country.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside Online, 17 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for organism
Dictionary Entries Near organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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