or-GAN-ik
ORGANIC means relating to living matter; derived from living organisms. In chemistry, containing carbon compounds. In agriculture, produced without synthetic chemicals. Also describes natural, fundamental development or growth.
Yes. ORGANIC is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 10 points in Scrabble, 13 in Words With Friends and 12 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | O | R | G | A | N | I | C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| Words With Friends | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| Wordfeud | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 12 |
Organic represents one of modern society's most contested and commercialized concepts—a word that bridges ancient agricultural practices with cutting-edge chemistry, traditional wisdom with scientific certification, and consumer desires with corporate marketing. From the carbon chains that define organic chemistry to the pesticide-free produce in upscale grocery stores, "organic" encapsulates humanity's complex relationship with nature, science, and authenticity.
In chemistry, organic originally meant compounds derived from living organisms—a definition that collapsed in 1828 when Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea from inorganic materials. This revolutionary moment proved that the chemistry of life followed the same rules as the chemistry of rocks. Modern organic chemistry encompasses all carbon-based compounds (except carbonates and carbides), forming the foundation of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and proteins. Ironically, many "synthetic" materials are chemically organic, while "organic" food marketing implies the opposite.
The organic food movement emerged from 1940s concerns about industrial agriculture's environmental impact. Pioneers like J.I. Rodale promoted farming without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, returning to pre-industrial methods enhanced by modern understanding. What began as countercultural rebellion became a $50+ billion global industry. Organic certification now involves complex regulations, inspections, and paperwork—industrial systematization of anti-industrial ideals. This paradox reveals how "organic" evolved from philosophy to profitable brand.
The word "organic" traces a fascinating path from ancient Greek philosophy through medieval medicine to modern chemistry and contemporary marketing, revealing how scientific understanding and cultural values shape language. Its evolution mirrors humanity's changing relationship with nature and life itself.
Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of ORGANIC.
Hooks: no front hooks; back ORGANICS.
Words inside ORGANIC: 111 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: AGONICARCINGCARINGCORINGGARCONORGIACRACINGACINGCARGOCIGARCOIGNCONGA. See all words from ORGANIC.