organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
the nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Many psoriasis drugs under investigation are biologics similar to current biologics—which are therapies that come from living organisms—but there’s also some exciting research into small molecules and gene therapy as a treatment for psoriasis.
—Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
The research team hopes their excavation work and taphonomic analysis (the study of an organism’s death and subsequent preservation) will lead to future examinations of the site.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2025
Successful resurrections of dormant organisms have rarely been documented, according to the researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
This phenomenon, called multilevel selection, is an extension of natural selection: the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
—Conner Philson, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
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Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
The research team hopes their excavation work and taphonomic analysis (the study of an organism’s death and subsequent preservation) will lead to future examinations of the site.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2025
Successful resurrections of dormant organisms have rarely been documented, according to the researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
This phenomenon, called multilevel selection, is an extension of natural selection: the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
—Conner Philson, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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