Inorganic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that lacks natural growth or structure, often in a metaphorical or critical sense.

• The discussion felt inorganic, as if the participants were following a script.
• The city's architecture is cold and inorganic, lacking any historical character.

Often used in agriculture or food contexts to describe products that are not grown or produced organically.

• Non-organic fruits are generally cheaper but may contain pesticide residues.
• He prefers non-organic farming methods due to their cost efficiency.

Geological contexts to describe naturally occurring substances that are solid and inorganic.

• Quartz is a common mineral found in many types of rocks.
• She collected different types of minerals during her hike.

Used mainly in scientific, especially chemical contexts, to describe substances that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Often used when discussing materials that come from non-living sources.

• Inorganic compounds often have high melting points
• They studied the inorganic elements in the soil

Typically used in general or biological contexts to describe anything that is not alive, especially materials and objects that do not exhibit life processes.

• Rocks are considered nonliving things
• The museum had an exhibit featuring nonliving artifacts from ancient times

Commonly used in geological and nutritional contexts to denote naturally occurring inorganic substances. Can refer to both the physical materials in the earth as well as essential nutrients needed by living organisms.

• Quartz is a well-known mineral
• Calcium is an important mineral for bone health