Inorganic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inorganic
[ˌɪnɔːrˈɡænɪk ]
Definitions
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inorganic |
Used to describe something that lacks natural growth or structure, often in a metaphorical or critical sense.
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| non-organic |
Often used in agriculture or food contexts to describe products that are not grown or produced organically.
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| mineral |
Geological contexts to describe naturally occurring substances that are solid and inorganic.
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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.
biology
Not involving or relating to organic life or processes. Inorganic substances do not participate in biological processes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inorganic |
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.
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| nonliving |
Typically used in general or biological contexts to describe anything that is not alive, especially materials and objects that do not exhibit life processes.
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| mineral |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The inorganic components of soil include minerals and rocks.
- Inorganic molecules like water and salts are essential for life.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In chemistry, inorganic compounds include salts, minerals, and metals, in contrast to organic compounds that include carbon.
- Water is considered an inorganic substance because it does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, which are characteristic of organic compounds.
Environmental Science
- Inorganic fertilizers, made from chemical compounds, are used in agriculture to enhance plant growth and yield.
- Heavy metals such as lead and mercury are inorganic pollutants that can harm ecosystems and human health.
Art and Culture
- Inorganic materials such as glass and ceramics have been used for millennia in art, showcasing human creativity beyond organic means.
- Many sculptures are made from inorganic materials like bronze or marble, emphasizing the durability and permanence of non-living substances.
Geology
- Inorganic minerals form the Earth's crust and are critical for processes like the rock cycle.
- Mineral exploration often focuses on finding valuable inorganic resources, such as gold, diamonds, and silica.
Origin of 'inorganic'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'inorganic' comes from the Latin word 'inorganicus', which means 'not organic.'
- It was formally used in the 19th century to differentiate between living and non-living substances.
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.