organism
UK[ˈɔːɡənɪzəm]US[ˈɔːrɡənɪzəm]
n
a living thing, especially one that is too small to be seen without a microscope, or one that has many parts working together as a single whole.
n
a system consisting of parts that depend on each other, similar to a living being.
Morpheme Breakdown
organ
ism
organ
instrument, part
ism
state, condition
Etymology
the word 'organism' is a relatively modern scientific term, entering english in the early 18th century from the french organisme. its foundation lies in the ancient greek word organon, which originally meant "tool" or "instrument". this concept evolved in biological thought to denote a distinct part of a living body that performs a specific function, leading to the english word 'organ'. the suffix '-ism' was appended to form a noun describing the condition or structure of being composed of such coordinated parts. thus, the literal logic of "instrument-condition" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of a complex living structure, and by extension, any similarly interdependent system.
Analysis
Structure: organ (instrument, part) + ism (state, condition)
organ: from greek organon via latin organum, meaning "tool, instrument, part of the body". in this word, it functions as the base meaning "a functioning part".
ism: from greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of state, condition, or doctrine. in this word, it functions as a nominalizer indicating "the state or condition of being composed of organs".
Examples
a single-celled organism can perform all the functions necessary for life.
the human body is a remarkably complex organism.
the company functions as a single, cohesive organism, with each department relying on the others.