Pronunciation: [ˌɪnɔːɡˈanɪk] (IPA) 
The word "inorganic" is spelled as /ɪnɔːˈɡænɪk/. In this spelling, the "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/, the first "o" is pronounced as /ɔː/, the second "o" is silent, and the "a" is pronounced as /æ/. The final syllable is pronounced as /nɪk/. The word is derived from the Greek words "in-" meaning "not" and "organikos" meaning "of an organ", referring to substances that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds found in living organisms.
Inorganic is an adjective that refers to things that are not derived from living organisms or does not contain carbon atoms. It describes substances, compounds, or materials that are typically mineral in nature or artificial in composition. Inorganic compounds do not possess the complex carbon-based structures found in organic compounds.
In terms of chemistry, inorganic substances are characterized by their lack of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. Instead, they consist of metallic or non-metallic elements combined together through ionic or covalent bonds. Common examples of inorganic substances include minerals like quartz, metals such as iron and copper, and non-metals like sulfur and chlorine.
Inorganic can also describe processes, reactions, or phenomena that are unrelated to organic matter or living organisms. It encompasses fields such as inorganic chemistry, which focuses on the study of inorganic substances and their behavior, physical properties, and chemical reactions. This branch of chemistry explores the properties and reactivity of elements and compounds that do not contain carbon atoms.
Furthermore, the term inorganic is often used in contrast to organic to differentiate between substances or matter that originate from living organisms or contain carbon from those that do not. However, it is important to note that this distinction is not absolute, as there are some exceptions where certain compounds can exhibit characteristics of both organic and inorganic chemistry.
Not organic, not relating to living organisms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Not endowed with the organs or instruments of life; not produced by vital action; in med., not apparently connected with change in structure.
• Pert. to bodies without specific organs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "inorganic" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "in-" meaning "not" or "without", and "organikos" meaning "of or pertaining to instruments or tools". The term was first introduced in the 18th century and was used to differentiate substances that did not contain carbon or were not derived from living organisms.
