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 technology combines a non-flammable inorganic electrolyte, ceramic separator and an active safety mechanism while targeting fast charging, high power output and low-temperature performance. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Alltech’s Optigen is a slow-release source of nonprotein nitrogen urea designed to feed the rumen microbes over time, while Novus’s Zn is a zinc chelate more available than conventional inorganic sources. — Aidan Connolly, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Bioaccumulation is a broad term describing the uptake, retention, and sequestration of organic and inorganic contaminants by an organism from its environment through all possible exposure pathways. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

One key indicator of soil health is decomposition rates of complex organic matter, breaking down stuff like leaves, wood, even cadavers into simpler organic and inorganic compounds, releasing C02 and nutrients in the process. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 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