organs
|or-gan|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔrɡən/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːɡən/
(organ)
instrument or tool
Etymology
'organ' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'organum', which in turn comes from Greek 'organon', where 'organon' meant 'tool' or 'instrument'.
'organ' entered English via Old French 'organe' and Middle English 'organ', derived from Latin 'organum' and Greek 'organon'.
Initially, it meant 'tool' or 'instrument' in Greek, but over time it evolved into meanings including 'musical instrument' and 'a specialized part of an animal or plant that performs a specific function' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
internal body parts that perform specific vital functions (e.g., heart, liver, lungs).
Many animals have similar organs, such as a heart and lungs.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a large keyboard musical instrument that produces sound by air passing through pipes or by electronic means (pipe organ, electronic organ).
The cathedral's organs were heard throughout the city.
Synonyms
Noun 3
an organization, official body, or publication that acts as the means of expression or operation for a group or institution (e.g., an official organ of a political party).
The party's organs published a joint statement.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/07 12:46