Nonorganic

Nonorganic is a term used to describe entities, substances, or practices that are not organic. In common usage it can refer to two related but distinct ideas: scientific classifications of chemicals and regulatory or consumer labeling of food and products. Because it is not a precise scientific term in all fields, its meaning depends on context and may be replaced by more specific terms such as inorganic or not organic.

In science, nonorganic is often treated as synonymous with inorganic, describing compounds without the typical carbon-hydrogen framework of organic chemistry. Inorganic chemistry covers minerals, metals, salts, oxides, and many gases. However, some carbon-containing substances—such as carbonates or cyanides—are traditionally classified as inorganic, illustrating that inorganic chemistry is defined more by structure and bonding than by the presence of carbon alone.

In agriculture and food labeling, non-organic or non-organic products refer to items not produced or certified under organic farming standards. Regulatory bodies instead use terms like organic or not organic and may require certification and labeling to indicate compliance with organic farming practices, inspection, and allowed inputs. The practical distinction to consumers is often the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or processing methods associated with conventional farming.

In general discourse, "Nonorganic" may appear as a brand name, artwork title, or fictional concept, but it is not a standardized scientific term outside its specific contexts.