organism

play

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

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organismic

play \ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik\ or less commonly organismal play \ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-məl\ adjective

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organismically

play \ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See organism defined for English-language learners

See organism defined for kids

Examples of organism in a Sentence

A human being is a complex organism.

Recent Examples of organism from the Web

This might be expected to disrupt the gene and kill the organism.

— The Economist, "Gene drivesA promising means of pest control meets some evolutionary truths," 22 July 2017
Scientists from Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland analyzed 250 DNA samples of Mycobacterium chimaera, an organism typically found in soil and tap water.

— jonel aleccia, Kaiser Health News, "DNA Links Deadly Germs, Tainted Heart Surgery Devices To German Factory," 12 July 2017
Birds, bats and mammals feed on these organisms and, in turn, become prey to larger predators.

— sarah kaplan, Washington Post, "What Frodo the Hobbit can teach scientists about protecting the planet," 10 July 2017
One of Germany’s states has provided a big boost for biologists who want to decipher the genomes of organisms that don’t get much attention.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Germans provide big boost for sequencing often ignored organisms," 6 July 2017
Thirsty hikers may be tempted to gulp from the alpine springs, but experts say look out – the clear mountain water could be full of microscopic organisms just waiting to wreak havoc on your stomach.

— sammy caiola, sacbee.com, "Mountain water may look clear, but don’t trust it," 4 July 2017
The themes of compassion are expressed through a micro angle, as our organisms and bodies are symmetrical and balanced on a cellular level.

— junette reyes, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hands-on exhibit focuses on youth and emotions," 3 July 2017
Answer: The study of the genome, which is the complete set of DNA in an organism.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "What is genomics, and how can it help you?," 2 July 2017
Particularly as the climate continues to change, organisms may move around the world and end up in new places all on their own, a process known as natural colonization.

— author: chelsea harvey, Alaska Dispatch News, "A warming Antarctica is becoming more hospitable to animals. That could lead to epic battles.," 29 June 2017

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

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

ORGANISM Defined for English Language Learners

organism

play

noun

Definition 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

play

noun or·gan·ism \ ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition 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

organism

play

noun or·gan·ism \ ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm \

medical Definition of organism

:an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent :a living being

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organismic

play \ˌȯr-gə-ˈniz-mik\ also organismal play \-məl\ adjective

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organismically

play \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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

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organism

Definition of organism

organismic

organismically

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Examples of organism in a Sentence

Recent Examples of organism from the Web

First Known Use of organism

Other Biology Terms

ORGANISM Defined for English Language Learners

organism

Definition of organism for English Language Learners

ORGANISM Defined for Kids

organism

Definition of organism for Students

Medical Dictionary

organism

medical Definition of organism

organismic

organismically

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