organ
A part of the body or a plant that performs a specific function, such as the heart or a leaf. It can also refer to a large musical instrument with pipes and keyboards, or a publication that represents the views of a specific organization.
Examples
3 of 5The skin is actually the largest organ of the human body.
The skin is actually the largest organ of the human body.
He signed a consent form to become an organ donor in the event of his death.
He signed a consent form to become an organ donor in the event of his death.
My uncle spends every Sunday morning playing the organ at the local chapel.
My uncle spends every Sunday morning playing the organ at the local chapel.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'ORGanization'. Just as an organization needs different departments to work, your body needs different 'ORGans' to function.
Quick Quiz
The surgeon performed a successful _____ transplant to save the patient's life.
Correct!
The correct answer is: organ
Examples
The skin is actually the largest organ of the human body.
everydayThe skin is actually the largest organ of the human body.
He signed a consent form to become an organ donor in the event of his death.
formalHe signed a consent form to become an organ donor in the event of his death.
My uncle spends every Sunday morning playing the organ at the local chapel.
informalMy uncle spends every Sunday morning playing the organ at the local chapel.
Biological studies often categorize organisms based on the complexity of their internal organ systems.
academicBiological studies often categorize organisms based on the complexity of their internal organ systems.
The trade journal serves as the official organ of the national manufacturing association.
businessThe trade journal serves as the official organ of the national manufacturing association.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
organ grinder
organ grinder (a street musician)
official organ
official organ (an official publication)
sense organ
sense organ (e.g., eyes, ears)
Often Confused With
Organic is an adjective describing things derived from living matter or farming without chemicals, while organ is the noun for the body part itself.
An organism is a whole living thing (like an animal or plant), whereas an organ is just one part of that living thing.
Usage Notes
In a medical context, 'organ' is often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., organ failure, organ donation). In a political or business context, it refers to a medium of communication like a newsletter.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'organ' when they mean 'organic' (e.g., saying 'organ food' instead of 'organic food'). Also, remember that it is a countable noun, so it usually needs an article or to be in plural form.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'ORGanization'. Just as an organization needs different departments to work, your body needs different 'ORGans' to function.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'organon', which means 'tool' or 'instrument'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western countries, organ donation is encouraged through driver's license registrations, while in other cultures, it may be viewed differently due to religious beliefs about bodily preservation.
Quick Quiz
The surgeon performed a successful _____ transplant to save the patient's life.
Correct!
The correct answer is: organ
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole....
tissueTissue refers to a group of similar cells that work together...
anatomyThe branch of science concerned with the physical structure...
keyboardA keyboard is an input device consisting of a set of keys th...
publicationPublication is the act of making information, literature, or...
biologyThe scientific study of living organisms and their vital pro...
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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