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organism
/ˈɔːɡənɪzəm/
living entity
Bacteria are single-celled organisms.
This refers to bacteria as living entities that can function independently.
technical
A living individual composed of one or more cells that can function independently.
Plants and animals are complex multicellular organisms.
This means they are living beings made up of many cells working together.
In biology, an organism is any living thing, from a single-celled bacterium to a complex animal.
Medicine
formal
A living entity that can carry out biological processes such as growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
The human body is an organism that adapts to environmental changes.
This means the body can adjust its functions to survive in different conditions.
In medicine, the term often refers to the human body as a whole.
Collocations
multicellular organisma living thing made up of many cellsunicellular organisma living thing made up of a single cellmodel organisma species used in scientific research
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Scientific Context
In scientific writing, 'organism' is often used to describe any living thing, not just animals.
Gold Rule
Technical vs. General Use
In biology, 'organism' refers to any living entity, while in everyday language, it may be used more narrowly.
Word Origin
From Latin 'organismus', meaning 'an organized being', from 'organum' (instrument, tool).
Usage Notes
The term is commonly used in biology and medicine to describe any living entity, from microorganisms to complex animals.
Word Breakdown
organ
a part of the body
root-ism
a state or condition
suffixEnglish Dictionary