inorganic

adjective

in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-nik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
1
a(1)
: being or composed of matter other than plant or animal : mineral
(2)
: forming or belonging to the inanimate world
b
: of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with substances not usually classed as organic
2
: not arising from natural growth : artificial
also : lacking structure, character, or vitality
… dull inorganic things, without individuality or prestige. —John Buchan
inorganically
ˌin-(ˌ)ȯr-ˈga-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
adverb

Examples of inorganic in a Sentence

producing energy from inorganic materials
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is something inorganic about being in front of a green screen. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 May 2026 Organic mulch will need to be replaced a lot faster than inorganic mulch. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 All sunscreens have the ability to reflect some light, though inorganic filters can reflect a little more, Addae adds. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 When filling your container with inorganic material, only fill about a quarter to one third of the container. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inorganic

Word History

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of inorganic was in 1729

Phrases Containing inorganic

Rhymes for inorganic

See All Rhymes for inorganic

Browse Nearby Words

inorg
inorganic
inorganical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inorganic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inorganic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inorganic

adjective
in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
1
: being or composed of matter that does not come from plants or animals either alive or dead : mineral
2
: of or relating to a branch of chemistry concerned with substances that contain little or no carbon
inorganically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

inorganic

adjective
in·​or·​gan·​ic ˌin-ˌȯr-ˈgan-ik How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
1
a
: being or composed of matter other than plant or animal
an inorganic heart
b
: forming or belonging to the inanimate world
2
: of, relating to, or dealt with by a branch of chemistry concerned with substances not usually classified as organic
inorganically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce inorganic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inorganic

Nglish: Translation of inorganic for Spanish Speakers

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