organic

Etymology

From Middle English organic, organik, from Old French organique, from Latin organicus.

adj

1. (biology) Pertaining to or derived from living organisms.
2. (physiology, medicine) Pertaining to an organ of the body of a living organism.
3. (chemistry) Relating to the compounds of carbon, relating to natural products.
4. (agriculture) Of food or food products, grown in an environment free from artificial agrichemicals, and possibly certified by a regulatory body.
5. (sociology) Describing a form of social solidarity theorized by Emile Durkheim that is characterized by voluntary engagements in complex interdependencies for mutual benefit (such as business agreements), rather than mechanical solidarity, which depends on ascribed relations between people (as in a family or tribe).
6. (military) Of a military unit or formation, or its elements, belonging to a permanent organization (in contrast to being temporarily attached).
   Socially, the term “organic” unit implies a military force characterized by relatively high cohesion, overlapping primary groups and a certain sense of shared past. 1998, Eyal Ben-Ari, Mastering Soldiers: Conflict, Emotions, and the Enemy in an Israeli Military Unit, Beghahn Books, page 29
   Most types of German field divisions include an organic reconnaissance battalion, and the remainder have strong reconnaissance companies. 1945, U.S. War Department, Handbook on German Military Forces, LSU Press, published 1990, page 161
7. Instrumental; acting as instruments of nature or of art to a certain destined function or end.
8. (Internet, of search results) Generated according to the ranking algorithms of a search engine, as opposed to paid placement by advertisers.
   According to a recent survey by Jupiter Research, 80 percent of Web users get information from organic search results. 2008, Michael Masterson, MaryEllen Tribby, Changing the Channel: 12 Easy Ways to Make Millions for Your Business
9. Developing in a gradual or natural fashion.
   The writing of the script was an organic process.
10. Harmonious; coherent; structured.
    The production came together in an organic whole.

noun

1. (chemistry) An organic compound.
2. An organic food.
3. (science fiction) A living organism, as opposed to a robot or hologram.