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

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

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