Organism Meaning and Definition
Organism
Pronunciation
/ɒrˈɡænɪzəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A living being that is composed of one or more cells and is capable of performing vital functions such as sensation, movement, and reproduction.
Etymology
The word “organism” comes from the Greek words “organon” meaning “organ” and “ismos” meaning “condition or state”. The term was first used in the late 16th century to describe living beings.
Usage Notes
The word “organism” is often used in scientific and medical contexts to refer to living beings. It can also be used in everyday language to refer to any living thing, from humans to animals to plants.
Cultural References
The word “organism” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “Divergent” by Veronica Roth, the protagonist Tris is described as an “organism”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “organism”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Biology
- Celullar
- Living Being
Collocations
- Human Organism
- Plant Organism
- Animal Organism
Frequency of Use
The word “organism” is a common term in scientific and medical contexts, but it is not typically used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of the word “organism” are “organisma” and “organizm”.