Organism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
organism
[หษหrษกษnษชz(ษ)m ]
Definition
living beings
An organism is any individual living entity that exhibits the properties of life. These properties include the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and adapt to the environment. Organisms can range from simple single-celled microorganisms to complex multicellular organisms like plants and animals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| organism |
Used in scientific or biological discussions to refer to a living thing, especially when discussing its structure, functions, or behavior.
|
| being |
Often used in philosophical or existential discussions when referring to any entity that has life or existence. It can also be used to highlight a conscious entity.
|
| creature |
Commonly used when referring to animals, including imaginary or mythical beings. It can sometimes have a negative or fantastical connotation.
|
| life form |
Typically used in scientific or science fiction contexts to refer to any entity that is alive, including microorganisms and aliens.
|
Examples of usage
- Plants, animals, and fungi are all examples of organisms.
- Microorganisms such as bacteria are also considered organisms.
- The study of how organisms interact with each other is called ecology.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Living things can be single-celled, like bacteria, or multicellular, like humans or trees.
- Organisms interact with their environments for survival, influencing food chains and ecosystems.
Evolution
- The diversity of organisms on Earth is the result of millions of years of evolution through processes like natural selection.
- Every organism has adaptations that help it survive in its specific habitat.
Cultural Significance
- The study of organisms has led to significant advances in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
- In many cultures, the concept of interconnectivity among various organisms represents balance and harmony in nature.
Philosophy
- Some philosophical theories suggest that understanding organisms helps us grasp the nature of life itself.
- Ideas about the rights of organisms, particularly higher animals, have sparked discussions in ethics and morality.
Origin of 'organism'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'organism' comes from the Greek word 'organon', which means 'tool' or 'instrument', emphasizing the coordinated functioning of parts.
- It was first used in the 19th century to describe living beings as complex systems made of different parts working together.
The term 'organism' originates from the Greek word 'organon', meaning 'instrument' or 'tool'. It was first used in the mid-18th century to refer to living beings. The concept of organisms as individual living entities has been central to biology and ecology, shaping our understanding of life on Earth.
See also: organ, organic, organist, organization, organize, organized, organizer, organizes, organs.