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

Once neuroscientists get a handle on how neuronal networks produce consciousness, this knowledge can be used to understand conscious experiences—or the lack thereof—in inorganic networks. —Lindsey Laughlin, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024

The shift from organic sources of energy (i.e., wind, water, animal, and human power) to inorganic fossil fuels in the 1700s released Britain -- and later, continental Europe -- from the Malthusian pressures of famine and disease. —Meg Hansen, National Review, 7 July 2024

Decades later, testing during the appeal process showed the stains weren’t made by blood, but some inorganic substance. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2024

The voluntary recall comes after the State of Maryland found samples from one single lot of the juice, which is sold in one-liter bottles, tested above the guidance level for inorganic arsenic in the juice. —Natalie Neysa Alund, The Enquirer, 1 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing inorganic

• inorganic chemistry

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