inorganic

2 definitions found

inorganic - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Inorganic \In`or*gan"ic\, a. [Pref. in- not + organic: cf. F.
     inorganique.]
     1. Not organic; without the organs necessary for life; devoid
        of an organized structure; unorganized; lifeness;
        inanimate.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Chem.) Of or pertaining to compounds that are not
        derivatives of hydrocarbons; not organic[5].
        [PJC]
  
     Note: The term inorganic is used to denote any one the large
           series of substances (as minerals, metals, etc.), which
           are not directly connected with vital processes, either
           in origin or nature, and which are broadly and
           relatively contrasted with organic substances. See
           Organic[5].
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Inorganic Chemistry. See under Chemistry.
        [1913 Webster]

inorganic - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  inorganic
      adj 1: relating or belonging to the class of compounds not
             having a carbon basis; "hydrochloric and sulfuric acids
             are called inorganic substances" [ant: organic]
      2: lacking the properties characteristic of living organisms
         [ant: organic]