a fertilizer that is derived from animal or vegetable matter
"The gardener spread organic fertilizer made from composted manure over the tomato plants to enrich the soil."
An organic compound.
"The chemist analyzed the sample to determine if it contained any complex organic compounds derived from living matter."
In plain English: An organic is a person who believes that all food should be grown without using chemicals or artificial additives.
"The new organic is selling well at the local farmers market."
Usage: Use "organic" as a noun only in scientific contexts to refer to an organic compound containing carbon. In everyday conversation, avoid using it this way and instead describe the substance or its properties directly.
relating or belonging to the class of chemical compounds having a carbon basis
"hydrocarbons are organic compounds"
being or relating to or derived from or having properties characteristic of living organisms
"organic life"
"organic growth"
"organic remains found in rock"
of or relating to foodstuff grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides or hormones
"organic eggs"
"organic vegetables"
"organic chicken"
constitutional in the structure of something (especially your physical makeup)
"The doctor explained that his chronic fatigue was an organic issue rooted in a genetic flaw within his body's cellular structure."
Pertaining to or derived from living organisms.
"The scientist analyzed the organic compounds found in the ancient soil sample to determine what plants once grew there."
In plain English: Organic means something that grows naturally without being made by humans or treated with chemicals.
"She prefers buying organic vegetables from the local farmer's market."
Usage: In everyday contexts, organic describes food grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers rather than simply being natural or alive. Use this term specifically when referring to agricultural products certified by regulatory bodies for their farming methods.
The word organic entered English via Middle English and Old French from the Latin organicus. Originally describing things related to an instrument or tool, it later came to mean relating to living organisms.