the branch of chemistry concerned with the compounds of carbon: originally confined to compounds produced by living organisms but now extended to include man-made substances based on carbon, such as plastics
Compare inorganic chemistry
organic chemistry in American English
noun
the branch of chemistry, originally limited to substances found only in living organisms, dealing with the compounds of carbon
Word origin
[1870–75]This word is first recorded in the period 1870–75. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Mafia, Victorian, asymmetric, giveaway, upgrade
Examples of 'organic chemistry' in a sentence
organic chemistry
But somehow it managed to include a crash course in organic chemistry.
2019, 'The Madcap Chemists of Booze', Smithsonianhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/mad-scientists-booze-recreating-spirits-going-back-era-paul-revere-180971630/
He worked indefatigably to establish the subject on an equal footing with organic chemistry.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He delighted in his knowledge of the organic chemistry of the grape, as he put it.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Perhaps because he is self-taught, he has a talent for making organic chemistry comprehensible, and is given to half-jokey pronouncements.
2019, 'The Madcap Chemists of Booze', Smithsonianhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/mad-scientists-booze-recreating-spirits-going-back-era-paul-revere-180971630/
He first studied bacteriology, botany and zoology and then concentrated on biochemistry and organic chemistry.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But one term of organic chemistry 'freaked me out', and she switched to art history.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
His textbooks reviews, research papers and lectures revolutionised the practice of organic chemistry over the next ten years.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It might take more than tofu to save the heart of an organic chemistry student struggling with the thousands of natural products plants make.