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

Related Phrases

organismaladjective
relating to an organism
organismicadjective
relating to the organization of an organism

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
suffix
English Dictionary