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REFERENCE

organic

adj. · n.
US //ɔɹˈɡænɪk// UK //ɔːɡˈænɪk// or·gan·ic
  1. 1 food/farming (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    grown or produced without using artificial chemicals or pesticides.

    produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.

    Example

    She prefers to buy organic vegetables at the local farmers' market.

    Example

    The farm transitioned to organic methods three years ago, successfully eliminating synthetic pesticides while maintaining a high crop yield.
  2. 2 living things (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    relating to or coming from living things like plants and animals.

    relating to, being, or characteristic of a living organism.

    Example

    The soil is rich in organic matter from fallen leaves.

    Example

    The geologist identified organic remains within the sedimentary rock, suggesting the area was once a lush tropical forest.
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  1. 3 natural growth (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening or developing in a natural way, without being forced or planned.

    developing in a gradual or natural fashion rather than being forced or artificial.

    Example

    The company's organic growth was slow but very steady.

    Example

    The community garden started as a small project but saw organic expansion as more neighbours volunteered their time and resources.
  2. 4 chemistry (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    relating to chemical compounds that contain carbon.

    relating to or denoting compounds containing carbon and chiefly or ultimately of biological origin.

    Example

    In organic chemistry, students learn about the structure of carbon molecules.

    Example

    The laboratory specialises in the synthesis of organic compounds for use in the pharmaceutical industry.
    • carbon based
  3. 5 internet search (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    search results that appear because they are relevant, not because someone paid for an ad.

    denoting search engine results that are generated by algorithms rather than paid advertisements.

    Example

    We need to improve our website's content to get more organic traffic.

    Example

    While paid ads provide immediate visibility, the marketing team focused on organic search rankings to ensure long-term sustainability.
  4. 6 organic food (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    food that is grown without artificial chemicals.

    foodstuffs produced by organic farming methods.

    Example

    The shop sells a wide variety of organics, including fruit and meat.

    Example

    The price difference between conventional produce and organics has narrowed as consumer demand for pesticide-free options continues to rise.
    • natural food
Origin

From Middle English organic, organik, from Old French organique, from Latin organicus.

Word family

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