organic

Grown or produced without artificial chemicals used to kill pests or help crops grow.

• We buy organic vegetables.
• This farm produces organic milk and eggs.
• Is all the fruit in this shop organic?

Common phrases: organic food, organic vegetables, organic farming, organic milk

Coming from, or connected with, living things.

• Organic waste can become compost.
• The soil contains plenty of organic matter.
• Bacteria break down organic material in the water.

Similar words: biological

Opposites: inorganic

Common phrases: organic matter, organic waste, organic material

Connected with the kinds of carbon chemicals found in living things and many other substances.

• She studies organic chemistry.
• The laboratory uses several organic solvents.
• This reaction produces a new organic compound.

Opposites: inorganic

Common phrases: organic chemistry, organic compound, organic solvent

Developing naturally, little by little, rather than following a fixed plan.

• The story grew through an organic process.
• Their friendship had a slow, organic development.
• The business achieved organic growth through returning customers.

Similar words: natural, gradual

Common phrases: organic growth, organic process, organic development

Having parts that fit together well to make one complete whole.

• The separate scenes form an organic whole.
• Each movement contributes to the symphony's organic unity.
• Her design gives these different elements an organic structure.

Similar words: coherent, integrated, harmonious

Opposites: disjointed

Common phrases: organic whole, organic unity, organic structure

Connected with a body part, especially a physical change or illness in that part.

• The tests showed organic brain damage.
• Doctors found no organic cause for her symptoms.
• An organic disorder can affect how an organ works.

Opposites: functional

Common phrases: organic disease, organic brain damage, organic disorder