inorganic

adjective

in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-nik 

1

a(1)

: being or composed of matter other than plant or animal : mineral

(2)

: forming or belonging to the inanimate world

b

: of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with substances not usually classed as organic

2

: not arising from natural growth : artificial

also : lacking structure, character, or vitality

… dull inorganic things, without individuality or prestige.

—John Buchan

inorganically

ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of inorganic in a Sentence

producing energy from inorganic materials

Recent Examples on the Web

Decades of static storage lead to the unavoidable accumulation of heavy waxes, dense inorganic sediments, and highly corrosive hydrogen sulfide produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria — turning the bottom of the cavern into a chemical nightmare. —Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

Using advanced analytical characterization techniques, this analysis also assesses for inorganic compounds that may adversely affect laser treatment. —Etiido Uko march 28, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026

Decades later, testing during the appeal process showed the stains weren’t made by blood, but some inorganic substance. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

This could improve photon purity and enable more advanced functionalities, including chiral quantum light and hybrid inorganic-organic devices. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing inorganic

• inorganic chemistry

Rhymes for inorganic

• aldermanic
• magellanic
• messianic
• oceanic
• pozzolanic
• talismanic
• transuranic
• bannock
• laennec
• manic
• panic
• stannic

Kids Definition

inorganic

adjective

in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik 

1

: being or composed of matter that does not come from plants or animals either alive or dead : mineral

2

: of or relating to a branch of chemistry concerned with substances that contain little or no carbon

inorganically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

inorganic

adjective

in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik 

1

a

: being or composed of matter other than plant or animal

an inorganic heart

b

: forming or belonging to the inanimate world

2

: of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with substances not usually classified as organic

inorganically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb