First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
organ
noun or·gan \ˈȯr-gən\
: a part of the body (such as the heart or liver) that has a particular function
—used as a polite way of saying penis
: a musical instrument that has a keyboard and pipes of different lengths and that makes sound by pushing air through the pipes
Full Definition of ORGAN
1
a archaic : any of various musical instruments; especially : wind instrument b (1) : a keyboard instrument in which sets of pipes are sounded by compressed air and produce a variety of timbres —called also pipe organ (2) : reed organ (3) : an electronic keyboard instrument that approximates the sounds and resources of the pipe organ (4) : any of various similar cruder instruments
2
a : a differentiated structure (as a heart, kidney, leaf, or stem) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function in an organism b : bodily parts performing a function or cooperating in an activity <the eyes and related structures that make up the visual organs>
3
: a subordinate group or organization that performs specialized functions <the various organs of government>
4
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Origin of ORGAN
Middle English, partly from Old English organa, from Latin organum, from Greek organon, literally, tool, instrument; partly from Anglo-French organe, from Latin organum; akin to Greek ergon work — more at work
Related to ORGAN
Other Music Terms
ORGAN- Defined for Kids
organ
noun or·gan \ˈȯr-gən\
Definition of ORGAN for Kids
1
: a musical instrument played by means of one or more keyboards and having pipes sounded by compressed air
2
: a part of a person, plant, or animal that is specialized to perform a particular function <The eye is an organ of sight.>
3
: a way of getting something done <Courts are organs of government.>
Medical Dictionary
organ
noun or·gan \ˈȯr-gən\
Medical Definition of ORGAN
: a differentiated structure (as a heart or kidney) consisting of cells and tissues and performing some specific function in an organism
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