Organic

Organic is a word that has many definitions, depending on the context. It is a term primarily used within biology, chemistry, and environmentalism. Its opposite is inorganic.

Biology

In biology, the term organic means anything made of or derived from living organisms.

Chemistry

See also organic compound.

In chemistry, the term organic is aplied to any compound containing carbon. Chemistry is split into two general categories: organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry.

Environmentalism

Within the environmentalist or healthy food movements, organic refers to any food grown without man-made chemicals or pesticides. The USDA certifies foods as organic, but some farmers also produce uncertified food.

References

• Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary. Organic.