organism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A single living thing, such as an animal, plant, or microbe.

   Bacteria are tiny organisms that can only be seen under a microscope.

2. 2
   noun

   A complex system whose many parts work together like a living thing.

   He described the city as a vast, breathing organism.

First attested in 1701; from organ + -ism, from Ancient Greek ὄργανον (órganon, “a tool, instrument”), from Proto-Indo-European *werǵ- (“work”). Compare New Latin organismus.

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