organ

noun

or·gan | \ ˈȯr-gən

Definition of organ

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a differentiated structure (such as a heart, kidney, leaf, or stem) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function in an organism

b : bodily parts performing a function or cooperating in an activity the eyes and related structures that make up the visual organs

2a(1) : a keyboard instrument in which sets of pipes are sounded by compressed air and produce a variety of timbres

— called also pipe organ

(2) : an electronic keyboard instrument that approximates the sounds and resources of the pipe organ

(3) : reed organ

(4) : any of various similar cruder instruments

b archaic : any of various musical instruments especially : wind instrument

3 : a subordinate group or organization that performs specialized functions the various organs of government

4 : periodical

organ-

combining form

variants: or organo-

Definition of organ- (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : organ organogenesis

2 : organic organomercurial

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about organ

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Examples of organ in a Sentence

Noun

the legislative organ of our government that newspaper is intended as an organ for the whole university community

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Retired Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is recovering after suffering organ damage when he was shot in the back Sunday night in Santo Domingo. — Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, "David Ortiz suffered organ damage from bullet during ambush at bar in Santo Domingo," 10 June 2019 She was admitted to the pediatric ICU, where she was diagnosed as being in severe shock and experiencing acute renal failure, organ damage and acidosis. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mom bound for trial in case of 10-year-old who police say received unnecessary medical procedures based on false health information," 10 June 2019 In the early 1990s, rumors—which were never proved—spread that some children who were given up for adoption had been killed, their organs extracted for sale on the international black market. — Rachel Nolan, Harper's magazine, "Destined for Export," 10 June 2019 From as young as six months, sickle cell patients often suffer extreme pain because the lack of blood flow in their vital organs. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, sun-sentinel.com, "South Floridians urged to take part in research leading to breakthroughs in fight against sickle cell disease," 8 June 2019 The therapy aims to treat beta thalassemia, a disease caused by a defective gene that hinders production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen through the blood, and can cause severe anemia, fatigue and organ damage. — Joseph Walker, WSJ, "Biotech Proposes Paying for Pricey Drugs by Installment," 8 Jan. 2019 There’s no way to survive on a meat-only diet without suffering some serious health problems: vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can result in bone loss, organ damage (and ultimately, organ failure), and unnecessary physical pain. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "The Best (And Worst!) Diets of 2019, According to a Registered Dietitian," 10 Dec. 2018 Thousands of women received mesh implants to treat pelvic conditions including urinary incontinence, and sued the manufacturers after suffering from infections, bleeding and organ damage. — L.m. Sixel, San Antonio Express-News, "Private equity funds deploy new investment strategy: financing lawsuits," 29 May 2018 Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to an infection, happens when the body attempts to fight off an infection and causes inflammatory responses in the body that can lead to organ damage or even failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Caitlin Wolper, Teen Vogue, "Man Nearly Died of Sepsis Reportedly Caused by Nail Biting," 4 May 2018

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

History and Etymology for organ

Noun

Middle English, partly from Old English organa, from Latin organum, from Greek organon, literally, tool, instrument; partly from Anglo-French organe, from Latin organum; akin to Greek ergon work — more at work

Combining form

Greek organon

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