adj

inorganic

ih-naw-GA-nihk

adj

Relating to matter that is not derived from living organisms, especially compounds without carbon-hydrogen bonds.

"Rocks and minerals are made of inorganic compounds."

Not arising naturally; artificially produced or promoted rather than growing on its own.

"The startup growth looked inorganic, fueled by paid ads rather than word of mouth."

How to Use Inorganic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot from living things (chemistry), or not happening naturally on its own (business/marketing).

Easily confused with

organic →

Common pairings

inorganic compound inorganic growth inorganic chemistry

inorganics plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Rocks and minerals are made of _____ compounds.

Formed from in- ("not") plus organic.

manic panic organic titanic oceanic Hispanic Germanic mechanic volcanic