What does organ mean?
An organ is a specialized part of a living organism that performs a particular function, such as pumping blood, exchanging gases, or filtering nutrients. In this sense, the word covers structures such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, and it is especially common in medicine, biology, and discussions of transplantation or organ failure. Organ also names a keyboard musical instrument in which air is driven through pipes to produce sound. A less common, more figurative use describes a large institution or organization that has an important role in public, political, or religious life. The word comes from the ancient Greek organon, meaning “an instrument or means of doing work,” which explains the connection between the body’s functional parts and the musical instrument. Because an organ is defined by its function rather than simply by its location or appearance, the term is especially useful when discussing how different bodily systems work together.
A specialized part of a living organism that performs one or more defined functions.
"The surgeon successfully repaired the organ damaged by the infection."
The term is most natural in scientific, medical, and anatomical contexts.
A keyboard instrument that produces sound by directing air through pipes.
"She played the organ during the service in the cathedral."
When specifying the instrument, the established compound “pipe organ” is common.
A large institution or organization, especially one with an important public or institutional function.
"The newspaper became an influential organ of public debate."
This is a formal and relatively literary use, often found in political, religious, and historical writing.
Use “organs” for multiple bodily structures, multiple instruments, or multiple institutions.
"The scan revealed damage to several organs in the abdomen."
The word organ originally meant an instrument, and the same Greek root gave us both the musical instrument and the body's functional parts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does organ come from?
The English word organ comes through Old French and Latin from the ancient Greek organon, meaning “tool,” “instrument,” or “means of doing work.” The musical sense developed from the idea of an instrument, while the anatomical sense came to refer to bodily structures that perform specialized functions. Related English words such as organic and organize ultimately reflect the same Greek root, through forms meaning “instrumental,” “instrument,” or “arrangement into an organized whole.”
Related word forms
How organ is actually used
In the biological sense, organ is a standard formal term. The third sense is more formal and often appears in political or institutional contexts, where it can sound somewhat figurative or elevated.