organic chemistry

noun

1. the branch of chemistry, originally limited to substances found only in living organisms, dealing with the compounds of carbon.

organic chemistry

noun

1. the branch of chemistry concerned with the compounds of carbon: originally confined to compounds produced by living organisms but now extended to include man-made substances based on carbon, such as plastics Compare inorganic chemistry

organic chemistry

1. The branch of chemistry that deals with carbon and organic compounds, especially hydrocarbons.

organic chemistry

1. The branch of chemistry dealing with organic molecules (see also organic molecule).

Word History and Origins

Origin of organic chemistry¹

First recorded in 1870–75