Organ Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎹

Add to dictionary

organ

[ˈɔːrɡən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A large musical instrument with pipes of different lengths and tones, played by pressing keys on a keyboard. The organ produces sound by air being driven through the pipes.

Synonyms

church organ, keyboard instrument, pipe organ.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
organ	This term is broadly used to refer to a type of musical instrument, particularly those with keys and pipes. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, including churches, concerts, and music education. The organ in the cathedral filled the hall with resonant sound. She is learning to play the organ.
pipe organ	Refers to a specific type of organ that produces sound by driving pressurized air through pipes selected via a keyboard. Commonly found in churches and concert halls, and used to describe a traditional organ with pipes. The magnificent sound of the pipe organ filled the concert hall. Restoring the old pipe organ took several months.
church organ	Specifically refers to an organ that is used in a church for religious ceremonies and services. This is often a large and complex instrument usually found in Christian places of worship. The beautiful tones of the church organ accompanied the choir. The church organist played a moving piece during the service.
keyboard instrument	This is a general term for any instrument that has a keyboard, such as pianos, electronic keyboards, and organs. It is a neutral term that can be used in various musical contexts, including education and performance. She specializes in playing various keyboard instruments. The classroom had a piano and other keyboard instruments.

Examples of usage

The church organ played a beautiful melody during the wedding ceremony.
She practiced playing the organ for hours every day to perfect her skills.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

anatomy

A part of the body that performs a specific function or functions. In biology, an organ is a collection of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Synonyms

body part, organism component, vital part.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
organ	Used to refer to structures in an organism that have specific functions, especially in the context of anatomy, biology, and medicine. The liver is an essential organ for detoxifying the body. He was diagnosed with organ failure.
body part	Less formal term often used in everyday conversation to refer to any part of the human or animal body. She injured a body part while playing soccer. He couldn’t move his arm, his favorite body part.
organism component	A more technical term that might be used in scientific texts or discussions, especially when referring to biology or systems theory. An organism component like the heart is crucial for blood circulation. Researchers studied various organism components to understand their interconnections.
vital part	Often used to emphasize the importance or critical nature of a body part or component within any system, not limited to biological contexts. The brain is a vital part of the nervous system. Trust is a vital part of any successful relationship.

Examples of usage

The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
The liver is an organ responsible for detoxifying chemicals in the body.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

organization

A group of people working together to achieve a common goal or purpose. An organization or association with a particular purpose or function.

Synonyms

association, body, group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
organ	Use 'organ' when referring to a specialized part of a system or entity that has a specific role or function, such as a part of a body or an organized institution. The heart is an essential organ in the human body. The committee serves as an important organ within the association.
association	Use 'association' when referring to a group of people with a common purpose or interest, often officially organized. She joined the local tennis association. The medical association held a conference on recent health advancements.
group	Use 'group' when talking about a collection of individuals or things gathered together, often informally or with a broad sense of purpose. She attends a study group every Saturday. A group of friends decided to go on a road trip.
body	Use 'body' when describing a large organized group, such as a legislative or governing group, or to refer to the physical form of a person or animal. The legislative body passed a new law yesterday. He takes good care of his body through exercise and nutrition.

Examples of usage

The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organ that provides aid to people in need.
Our school organizes various events throughout the year to promote community engagement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'organ'

The word 'organ' originated from the Latin word 'organum', which referred to a musical instrument. Over time, it evolved to also represent a part of the body performing a specific function. The concept of organizations or groups working together towards a common goal led to the use of 'organ' in that context as well. The versatility of the word showcases its evolution across different fields and disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,396, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3393 bones
3394 platform
3395 surgery
3396 organ
3397 seldom
3398 sending
3399 modification
...