The English word "organ" is spelled with five letters, but it contains six sounds. The first two sounds, /ɔ/ and /g/, are spelled with two letters each. The last four sounds, /ə/, /n/, /dʒ/, and /ən/, are spelled with three letters. This is because the letter "g" is followed by the silent letter "e", which makes the vowel sound longer. The last three letters, "a-n", "d-j", and "u-n", represent three distinct sounds that are combined together. Overall, the spelling of the word "organ" reflects the complex nature of the English language.
An organ, in biological terms, refers to a structured part of a living organism that performs a specific function or functions. It is composed of various tissues, which work together to carry out their designated tasks. Organs are fundamental components of multicellular organisms, such as animals and plants, responsible for the maintenance and regulation of life processes.
Organs can vary greatly in shape, size, and complexity. In animals, examples of organs include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. Each of these organs has a distinct structure and functional role within the organism's overall physiology. For instance, the heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, while the lungs facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
In plants, organs include the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. These organs serve several essential functions, such as anchoring the plant, absorbing water and nutrients, carrying out photosynthesis, and facilitating reproduction.
The proper functioning of organs is crucial for the overall health and survival of an organism. Any disruption or dysfunction within an organ can lead to various diseases and imbalances within the body. Organ transplantation, where a failing organ is replaced with a healthy one, is an example of medical intervention to restore organ function.
In summary, organs are specialized structures within living organisms that perform specific functions necessary for the organism's survival and well-being. Their intricate organization and functionality are essential for maintaining the proper functioning of various life processes.
Any part of the body exercising a specific function, as of respiration, secretion, digestion, etc.; see organon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A part of the living body by which some action, operation, or function is carried on; an instrument or means of communication, as of a political party-generally said of a newspaper; in bot., any defined subordinate part of the vegetable structure, external or internal, as a cell, a fibre, a leaf, a root, &c.; a well-known wind musical instr.
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 "organ" has a fascinating etymology. It originated from the Old English word "organe" or "orgene", borrowed from the Old French word "organe", which came from Latin "organum". In Latin, "organum" referred to a musical instrument, specifically a musical instrument played by means of pipes or keys.
Latin derived its term from the Greek word "organon", which also meant a musical instrument. However, the Greek word "organon" initially had a broader meaning, referring to any tool or instrument used to perform a specific task.
The Greek "organon" came from the verb "ergon", meaning "work" or "to work". This is where the concept of an organ as a functioning part of the body emerged, as the internal organs were seen as tools or instruments performing vital tasks.