DictionaryorganicCarbon chemistry
adjective

organic

Relating to carbon compounds in chemistry.

The class studies organic chemistry.

Etymology

Organic chemistry originally concerned substances associated with living organisms. As the field developed, the term became centered on carbon compounds rather than their biological source.

More examples

  • The molecule is an organic compound.
  • The laboratory analyzes organic solvents.
  • She specialized in organic synthesis.

Forms

organic

Similar words

carbon-based
A plainer description, though some carbon compounds are classed as inorganic.