inorganic

adjective

in·or·gan·ic | \ ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-nik

Definition of inorganic

1a(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

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Examples of inorganic in a Sentence

producing energy from inorganic materials

Recent Examples on the Web

This contained inorganic pigments in an organic binding medium overlaid by a shellac varnish. — The Economist, "Researchers find a way to use minute samples to detect forged paintings," 8 June 2019 That remains well below the efficiency of many inorganic LEDs, but is probably good enough for some applications. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "LEDs created from wonder material could revolutionize lighting and displays," 4 June 2019 On the arm of a flaming-hot Kendall Jenner, the beauty mogul's mane was separated in a slightly askance part and pulled pin straight, the would-be glamorous styling imbued with a welcome sense of whimsy by its inorganic shade. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Kylie Jenner Matches Her Hair to Her Versace Feathers at the 2019 Met Gala," 7 May 2019 Picking Mulch for Your Garden There are two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "How to Mulch Your Garden and Stop Weeds in Their Tracks," 26 June 2018 Mahoney: Those kinds of workouts ask players to demonstrate organic skills, but the entire format is inorganic. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Breakaway: Inside the Life of Future Lottery Pick Mikal Bridges," 15 June 2018 Jan Reedijk, then president of IUPAC’s inorganic-chemistry division, says that the initial announcement was made early to avoid press leaks and to satisfy demands from the claimant labs, which were eager to get the news out. — Edwin Cartlidge, Scientific American, "The Battle Behind the Periodic Table’s Latest Additions," 13 June 2018 There are two basic kinds of mulch: organic and inorganic. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "What Every Gardener Should Know About Mulching," 28 Feb. 2017 As Boston descended into winter, Subbarow began to spend every waking moment in the lab, working with associate professor Dr. Cyrus Fiske on a new method to measure the amount of inorganic phosphorus in biologic tissue. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "We Are Scientists," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inorganic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.