organism
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
any living thing, from a tiny germ to a giant whale.
an individual living system, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium, capable of response to stimuli, reproduction, growth, and homeostasis.
Simple“The pond is full of tiny organisms that you can only see with a microscope.”
In context“Biologists are still discovering new marine organisms in the deepest parts of the ocean that survive without any sunlight.”
UsageCountable noun; often used in scientific or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a large system or organization that has many parts working together like a body.
a complex structure or organization with interdependent parts whose functions are determined by their relation to the whole.
Simple“The government is a massive organism that changes very slowly.”
In context“The city functions as a social organism, where transport, housing, and commerce must remain in balance to ensure the health of the community.”
Teacher's tipThis is a metaphorical use; learners should use it when describing how different departments or sections of a large group interact.
“Scientists are still trying to understand when the first eukaryotes appeared on Earth and how those organisms helped set the stage for complex life.”
“Unlike bats or crickets or frogs or whales, earthworms and other soil organisms do not shout to find their way around, nor trill and whoop to attract mates.”
First attested in 1701; from organ + -ism, from Ancient Greek ὄργανον (órganon, “a tool, instrument”), from Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- (“work”). Compare New Latin organismus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.