organism

noun

or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce organism (audio)
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral partJoseph Rossi
2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
organismic adjective
or less commonly organismal
organismically adverb

Examples of organism in a Sentence

A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Wipe the outside with a disinfectant solution to remove any external organisms or wash it with soap and water, that way the pumpkin stays fresher longer. Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024 These are cells that can grow and live outside of a living organism so they can be kept in a petri dish or a flask. Eva Amsen, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Illustration: Mark Belan for Quanta Magazine An organism’s DNA should be stable and relatively unchanging over the course of its life. Annie Melchor, WIRED, 13 Oct. 2024 Don’t Miss: The 2,200-year-old Sherman Tree — the largest living tree and largest living organism, by volume, in the world — can be found in Giant Forest. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for organism 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of organism was circa 1774

Dictionary Entries Near organism

Cite this Entry

“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

organism

noun
or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce organism (audio)
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
organismic adjective

Medical Definition

organism

noun
or·​gan·​ism ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce organism (audio)
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
organismic adjective
also organismal
organismically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on organism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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