organism

noun

or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce organism (audio)
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 partJoseph 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
organismic adjective
or less commonly organismal
organismically adverb

Examples of organism in a Sentence

A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web The basic idea—original to him—is that an organism’s genome will determine more than just its body makeup and behavior. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 26 Sep. 2024 That’s easier said than done where fossil organisms are concerned. Asher Elbein, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2024 With rapid diagnostics identifying organisms within hours not days, AI then ensures the right drug, dose, and duration as clinical conditions change. Steve Brozak, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Biologics are medications produced using living cells or organisms. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for organism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'organism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of organism was circa 1774

Dictionary Entries Near organism

Cite this Entry

“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

organism

noun
or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce organism (audio)
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
organismic adjective

Medical Definition

organism

noun
or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce organism (audio)
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
organismic adjective
also organismal
organismically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on organism

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