Anorganism

/ænˈɔrɡənɪzəm/ noun

Definition

Something that is not an organism; a non-living system or thing that lacks the characteristics of living beings.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'organismo' (organism), formed to create a term for the opposite of a living organism.

Kelly Says

The term 'anorganism' reveals a deep truth: while we have many words for living things, creating a word for 'non-living things that almost seem organized' is actually hard—we usually just say 'rocks' or 'machines' instead of pretending we need this awkward opposite.

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