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

The liquid is then pushed through multiple filtration beds that remove the remaining organic and inorganic impurities. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

Natural Ceramic Nacre is a natural ceramic; its inorganic building blocks arrange themselves in a neat geometric shape. —Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026

If mulch layers are piled up too deeply or an inorganic mulch, like black plastic, is used, water may never reach the soil. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

First Citizens now believes a single brand will underscore the bank’s commitment to the innovation economy and positions the company for future organic — and inorganic — growth, Holding said. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 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