Inorganic: meaning, definitions and examples

⚛️
Add to dictionary

inorganic

 

[ ˌɪnɔːrˈɡænɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry

Not consisting of or deriving from living matter. Inorganic compounds are generally derived from minerals, whereas organic compounds are derived from living organisms.

Synonyms

mineral, non-organic

Examples of usage

  • Inorganic chemistry deals with the study of non-living matter.
  • Inorganic substances like metals and minerals do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Not involving or relating to organic life or processes. Inorganic substances do not participate in biological processes.

Synonyms

mineral, nonliving

Examples of usage

  • The inorganic components of soil include minerals and rocks.
  • Inorganic molecules like water and salts are essential for life.

Translations

Translations of the word "inorganic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inorgânico

🇮🇳 अकार्बनिक

🇩🇪 anorganisch

🇮🇩 anorganik

🇺🇦 неорганічний

🇵🇱 nieorganiczny

🇯🇵 無機

🇫🇷 inorganique

🇪🇸 inorgánico

🇹🇷 inorganik

🇰🇷 무기

🇸🇦 غير عضوي

🇨🇿 anorganický

🇸🇰 anorganický

🇨🇳 无机

🇸🇮 anorgansko

🇮🇸 ólífrænt

🇰🇿 бейорганикалық

🇬🇪 არაორგანული

🇦🇿 qeyri-üzvi

🇲🇽 inorgánico

Word origin

The term 'inorganic' first appeared in the early 19th century and was used to differentiate between compounds that were of mineral origin (inorganic) and those derived from living organisms (organic). Inorganic chemistry emerged as a separate branch of chemistry focused on the study of non-living matter. Today, the distinction between organic and inorganic compounds is based on the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds in organic compounds, while inorganic compounds do not possess these bonds.

See also: organically, organicist.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,824 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.