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Definition

noun, singular: organism

Living things that are capable of reacting to stimuli, reproduction, growth, and homeostasis.

Supplement

Plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms are examples of organisms. They all consist of monomeric units called cells. Some organisms may function independently or singly (unicellular) whereas others may form many units (multicellular) divided into specialized tissues and organs. Based on cell type, organisms may be divided into prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Word origin: Greek - organismos, from Ancient Greek organon , meaning "organ, instrument, tool".
Related forms: organismal (adjective), organismic (adjective), organismically (adverb)
See also: superorganism, microorganism.