organic chemistry

American  

noun

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

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organic chemistry British  

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

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organic chemistry Scientific  

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

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organic chemistry Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of organic chemistry

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

How does organic-chemistry compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• organic chemistry vs. inorganic chemistry

Example Sentences

Garg’s 19-person lab works on developing new organic chemistry reactions that could have pharmaceutical applications.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Panpsychists believe that all forms of matter, however small, contain elements of consciousness, and that life as many define it is simply made up of extremely complex forms of consciousness created via organic chemistry.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2024

She came from a respected academic family, which included scientist Justus von Liebig, known as the founder of organic chemistry.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2024

Boronic acid has been used in organic chemistry for decades, even though it is not present in any organism.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2024

Telling Bragg that we had got the organic chemistry straight did not put him completely at ease.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson