definitions

organic chemistry

noun

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

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Nearby words

organelle, organelles, organic, organic acid, organic brain syndrome, organic chemistry, organic compound, organic compounds, organic contracture, organic disease, organic evolution

Origin of organic chemistry

First recorded in 1870–75
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for organic chemistry

organic chemistry

noun

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 plasticsCompare inorganic chemistry
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for organic chemistry

organic chemistry

n.

The chemistry of compounds containing carbon.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for organic chemistry

organic chemistry

The branch of chemistry that deals with carbon and organic compounds, especially hydrocarbons.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for organic chemistry

organic chemistry

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

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.