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.
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, 18 Oct. 2025 In addition to lead, the report also identified three products that had concerningly high levels of cadmium and inorganic arsenic–two other toxic heavy metals. Health Editorial Team, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 The change resulted in the formation of hydrogen bonds connecting the ammonium group to the lead iodide fragments, thereby getting the 2D layer to stick to the pure inorganic perovskite. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 Magnesium citrate is generally more absorbable than inorganic forms. Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2025 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 21 Oct. 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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