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 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.
Vinegar, while technically more of an acid than a solvent, helps clear away mineral, inorganic crud. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025 Generally, firework smoke has inorganic matter, which is different from organic materials contained in wildfire smoke, Wu said. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2025 Arsenic: 10 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in apple juice. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 This is likely because inorganic carbon sequestration is not something every tree is capable of doing. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 7 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Inorganic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inorganic. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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 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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inorganic

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