organism

noun

or·gan·ism | \ ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm

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

Other Words from organism More Example Sentences Learn More about organism

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Other Words from organism

organismic \ ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik

\ or less commonly organismal \ ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-məl

\ adjective

organismically \ ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mi-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Examples of organism in a Sentence

A human being is a complex organism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rasgon is concerned that the Scientific Reports paper has fueled unfounded suspicions about GM organisms. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "Study on DNA spread by genetically modified mosquitoes prompts backlash," 17 Sep. 2019 After a season of growth, the soil likely contains rotting roots and disease organisms that could affect new plants. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "Fungus causes leaf drop in crape myrtles," 14 Sep. 2019 The larvae — teensy maggot-like organisms with an orange hue — were being set aside in the same petri dish. — Alicia Petska, Washington Post, "Roanoke College professor researches tiny flying larvae," 13 Sep. 2019 Is there a good mix of fungal organisms and bacteria and protozoa moving around?’’ If so, the team mashes up the feces with water and eucalyptus to make a probiotic milkshake of sorts. — BostonGlobe.com, "Scientists look for ways to counter the dietary dilemma of koalas - The Boston Globe," 10 Sep. 2019 According to Darwin, all current organisms are equally evolved and are all still affected by natural selection. — Quentin Wheeler, Quartz, "That popular monkey-to-man chart gets evolution all wrong," 4 Sep. 2019 According to Darwin, all current organisms are equally evolved and are all still affected by natural selection. — Antonio G. Valdecasas, The Conversation, "Evolution doesn’t proceed in a straight line – so why draw it that way?," 3 Sep. 2019 They're not just edited, all-cow cows—they are genetically modified organisms with DNA from a completely different branch of life. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Part cow, part… bacterium? Biotech company makes heifer of gene-editing blunder," 1 Sep. 2019 This month, space enthusiasts were shocked to learn that an Israeli lunar lander that crashed into the Moon’s surface in April actually had some passengers aboard: a tiny capsule filled with dehydrated microscopic organisms known as tardigrades. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "Why stowaway creatures on the Moon confound international space law," 16 Aug. 2019

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.