Word
inorganic
Phoneticsin·or·gan·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnɔɹˈɡænɪk/
UK/ˌɪnɔːɡˈænɪk/
Definition
adj. describing something that is not made of living matter, like rocks or minerals. In chemistry, it refers to chemicals that do not contain carbon.
adj. relating to compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds; describing matter of non-biological origin. Often contrasted with 'organic' in both scientific and agricultural contexts.
Examples
“Salt and water are common inorganic substances.”
“The geologist analyzed the inorganic minerals found deep within the cave system.”
“While organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based life, inorganic chemistry explores the properties and behaviors of metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds.”
Examples
simple
“Salt and water are common inorganic substances.”
contextual
“The geologist analyzed the inorganic minerals found deep within the cave system.”
complex
“While organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based life, inorganic chemistry explores the properties and behaviors of metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often follows 'purely' or 'largely'.
Real-World Examples
“In a sea of rock, sediment and other inorganic material, the roughed-up logs and stumps didn’t just show the violence of past lahars, which was extreme.” “The phosphorescent materials contain mineral-based pigments and inorganic compounds.” Etymology
From in- + organic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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