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la matière organique

/la ma.tjɛʁ ɔʁ.ɡa.nik/
noun★Intermediate— organic matter
technical

Material of biological origin, typically composed of carbon-based compounds, including plant and animal residues, microorganisms, and other living or dead organic substances.

Les sols riches en matière organique retiennent mieux l'eau.

Soils rich in organic matter retain water better.

💡

Often used in environmental science, agriculture, and soil management.

technical

In waste management, organic matter refers to biodegradable materials such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products.

Le compostage transforme la matière organique en engrais naturel.

Composting turns organic matter into natural fertilizer.

💡

Key component in composting and sustainable waste practices.

Collocations

décomposer la matière organiqueto decompose organic mattertaux de matière organiqueorganic matter content

Synonyms

substance organiquebiomasse

Antonyms

matière minérale

Related Phrases

cycle de la matière organiquephrase
organic matter cycle

💡Pro Tip

Technical vs. General Use

In scientific contexts, specify the type of organic matter (e.g., humus, biomass). In everyday language, 'organic matter' suffices.

⚡Gold Rule

Precision in Context

Use 'matière organique' for technical discussions; 'déchets organiques' for waste management.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'materia' (matter) and 'organicus' (of or relating to an organ), referring to living or once-living material.

📝Usage Notes

In technical contexts, often quantified as a percentage of soil composition or waste stream. Avoid using for non-biological materials.

Word Breakdown

la matière
the matter
root
+
organique
organic
adjective
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais

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