inorganic

Lacking carbon chains

Inorganic describes matter that is not derived from living organisms—minerals, metals, water, and synthetic compounds.

In chemistry, inorganic typically means lacking carbon-hydrogen bonds, though the boundary is fuzzy.

Figuratively, inorganic describes things that feel artificial or forced rather than naturally developed: The company's inorganic growth came through acquisitions rather than customer demand.

lifeless

inanimate

Not alive, never was

nonlivingNot alive
inertInactive, physically or chemically
insentientLacking consciousness or awareness

soulless · exanimate · unfeeling · mechanical · robotic · sterile · barren · cold · clinical · impersonal

synthetic

plastic

Capable of being molded

siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
polymerLarge repeated-unit molecule
acrylicSynthetic resin or fiber

nylon · PVC · vinyl · polyester · fiberglass · polystyrene · polyurethane · neoprene · Teflon · kevlar

chemistry

compounds

Bonded element substances

elementsFundamental parts or substances
saltsSodium chloride crystals
oxidesOxygen-bonded compounds

hydroxides · sulfates · nitrates · carbonates · phosphates · chlorides · bases · acids · catalysis · coordination

mineral

quartz

Crystalline silicon dioxide

micaLayered silicate mineral
gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
calciteCrystalline calcium carbonate

halite · dolomite · pyrite · galena · hematite · magnetite · fluorite · barite · talc · topaz

inorganic

inanimate

plastic

compounds

quartz

inorganic

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