German word

Organ

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔɐ̯ˈgaːn/

Meaning

  • neuter nounorgan

Example

Der Körper hat viele Organe.

The body has many organs.

Illustration for Organ (organ)

More examples

Für die Operation wurde ein passendes Spender-Organ gesucht.

A suitable donor organ was sought for the operation.

Core concept

A distinct component that performs a particular function for a larger living or institutional whole.

Common phrases

  • Spender-Organ

    donor organ

  • abgestorbenes Organ

    necrotic organ

  • funktionierendes Organ

    functioning organ

Similar words

Körperteil: A visible part of the body, such as a hand, arm, or foot.
Institution: An organization created for a public or structured purpose.

Definition in German

Organ ist ein Körperteil, das aus mehreren Geweben besteht und eine bestimmte Funktion erfüllt; zugleich wird das Wort für eine Institution oder deren amtliche Publikation verwendet.

Word origin

Organ is a borrowing from Greek organon via Latin organum, and its meanings include a bodily part as well as an institution or an official publication.

Usage tips

  • The publication sense is formal and usually refers to an authorized journal or bulletin rather than an ordinary newspaper.

Other meanings

  • institutionnoun
  • journalnoun

Related words

  • Organtransplantationorgan transplantationnoun
  • Organfunktionorgan functionnoun

Word lists with this word