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Organisms Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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organisms

[หˆษ”หษกษ™nษชz(ษ™)mz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biology

Living things such as plants, animals, and bacteria that can grow, reproduce, and respond to the environment.

Synonyms

beings, creatures, life forms.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
organisms

Used primarily in scientific contexts to refer to any living entity, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular entities.

  • Scientists studied the growth of microorganisms in the lab
  • The organism's DNA structure was analyzed for genetic research
life forms

A broad term useful in scientific or science fiction contexts to describe any entity that exhibits life characteristics.

  • Scientists are excited about the possibility of discovering alien life forms
  • Various life forms thrive in Earth's diverse ecosystems
creatures

Often used to describe animals or mythical beings, sometimes with a sense of fascination or fear. Can have a negative connotation when referring to people.

  • The forest is home to many mysterious creatures
  • They encountered strange creatures during their jungle expedition
beings

Generally refers to human or humanoid entities in philosophical, existential, or spiritual contexts.

  • All human beings are entitled to basic rights
  • The concept of superior beings is common in many religions

Examples of usage

  • The rainforest is home to a diverse range of organisms.
  • Microorganisms are tiny organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Organisms can be classified into two broad categories: prokaryotes (like bacteria) and eukaryotes (like plants and animals).
  • Some organisms can survive in extreme conditions, such as deep-sea vents or frozen environments, showcasing life's resilience.

Ecology

  • Every organism plays a role in its ecosystem, contributing to the food web and nutrient cycles that support life.
  • Interactions between different organisms, like predator-prey relationships, are vital for maintaining the balance in nature.

Evolution

  • The theory of evolution explains how organisms adapt over generations, leading to the diversity of life we see today.
  • Natural selection is a process where the traits that help organisms survive are passed on, shaping future generations.

Technology

  • Scientists study organisms to develop new medicines and treatments, including antibiotics derived from microorganisms.
  • Biotechnology involves using living organisms to create products like insulin for diabetes, illustrating their practical importance.

Origin of 'organisms'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'organon', which means tool or instrument, highlighting living beings as tools of nature.
  • In the early 18th century, the word began to be used in biology to refer to living things that have their own functions.

The word 'organisms' originated from the Greek word 'organon' meaning instrument or tool. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe living entities capable of growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli. The study of organisms is a fundamental aspect of biology, dating back to the times of Aristotle and other ancient philosophers who classified living things into various categories based on their characteristics and behaviors.

See also: microorganism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,818, 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.