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.
One key indicator of soil health is decomposition rates of complex organic matter, breaking down stuff like leaves, wood, even cadavers into simpler organic and inorganic compounds, releasing C02 and nutrients in the process. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 It’s processed and bottled without touching any plastic, and each batch is tested by a third-party laboratory for organic and inorganic compounds, including microplastics, pesticides, and forever chemicals. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 Instead, the gas identification data confirmed that the hydrogen comes from a deep inorganic fluid system within the Earth’s crust. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026 In a market moving this quickly, though, even organizations with a strong build-it-ourselves culture must be open to inorganic plays that bring in critical capabilities and talent faster than they can be developed internally. — Gina Mastantuono, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
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