or|gan|ic

or|gan|ic «awr GAN ihk», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. of the bodily organs; vital; affecting the structure of an organ: »

an organic disease, an organic process.

2. produced by animal or plant activities: »

organic fertilizer.

3. Chemistry. of or having to do with compounds containing carbon. Starch is an organic compound.

4. having organs, or an organized physical structure, as plants and animals have; not of the mineral kingdom.

5. made up of related parts, but being a unit; coordinated: »

The United States is an organic whole made up of 50 states.

SYNONYM(S): organized.

6. that is part of the structure or constitution of a person or thing; fundamental: »

The Constitution is the organic law of the United States.

SYNONYM(S): inherent, innate, constitutional.

7. a) grown or prepared with natural fertilizers or without the use of insecticides and other chemicals: »

organic food.

b) having to do with or using natural fertilizers; not involving the use of chemicals: »

organic farming. Going organic…will mean that the Thanksgiving turkey must be imported from an organic farm (Time).

–n.

any organic substance, such as a fertilizer of animal or vegetable origin.

╂[< Latin organicus < Greek organikós < órganon instrument; see etym. under organ (Cf. ↑organ)]