inorganic

adjective

in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-nik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of inorganic in a Sentence

producing energy from inorganic materials
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The colors correspond to different concentrations and types of organic or inorganic compounds. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 There are several forms of arsenic in rice, both organic and inorganic. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Hydrogen on the Meteorite A previous study led by a French team had identified traces of hydrogen within both organic and inorganic components of a different meteorite. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 Pfizer has been looking to address the falling sales, eyeing both organic and inorganic growth. Trefis Team, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for inorganic

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inorganic was in 1729

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Cite this Entry

“Inorganic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inorganic. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inorganic

adjective
in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
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 adverb

Medical Definition

inorganic

adjective
in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inorganic

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