Definition of organism
1 : a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part — Joseph Rossi
2 : an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being a multicellular organism
Explore M-W
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples of organism from the Web
-
As big as a Norwegian fjord, as small as a microscopic organism.
-
Using early photographic techniques, Atkins portrayed the aquatic organisms as ethereal tufts and tendrils floating over vibrant blue backgrounds.
-
At a TEDx talk in 2012, Friedman likened the seasteading movement to the Cambrian Explosion—a moment in evolutionary history when the globs and mollusks of the primordial soup gave way to a diverse array of complex organisms.
-
Part of the shift northward was expected as an effect of climate change; as temperatures rise, many organisms move to cooler territories.
-
Protected from wind and waves but continuously refreshed by the ocean spill-over, a lagoon’s unique ecosystem nurtures birds, fish, crabs, clams, mollusks, coral and every other marine organism including people.
-
So far, scientists have studied how a handful of organisms reproduce in space, including rats, fish, salamanders, and sea urchins.
-
However, with sufficient water, Laughlin thinks organisms on a planet like Tatooine might not only survive, but thrive.
-
An organism called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by deer ticks, causes Lyme disease.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'organism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of organism
circa 1774
Other Biology Terms
ORGANISM Defined for English Language Learners
organism
playDefinition of organism for English Language Learners
-
: an individual living thing
-
: a system with many parts that depend on each other and work together
ORGANISM Defined for Kids
organism
playDefinition of organism for Students
: a living thing made up of one or more cells and able to carry on the activities of life (as using energy, growing, or reproducing)
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about organism
-
See words that rhyme with organism Spanish Central: Translation of organism Nglish: Translation of organism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of organism for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up organism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!