Szervezet

Szervezet is a Hungarian noun with several related meanings. In everyday language it denotes a formal group of people organized to achieve common aims, such as a company, nonprofit, government agency, or other institution. In a biological context it can also refer to the living body as an integrated system. The exact sense depends on the field and usage.

In biology, a szervezet denotes the entire organism or, more specifically, the organized structure of living matter that carries out life processes. Biological organization is hierarchical: cells build tissues, tissues form organs, organs comprise organ systems, and organ systems constitute the organism. The term can also be used for more specific levels, such as the internal organization of a cell or tissue.

In organizational and social use, a szervezet means an organised group with a defined purpose and rules. This can include corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, or international bodies. Key aspects are governance, legal status, funding, and a set of procedures or bylaws. Hungarian tends to distinguish szervezet from intézmény, where intézmény emphasizes a fixed institution while szervezet emphasizes the structural system and processes.

Etymology and related terms: the word derives from the verb szervezni (to organize) and is linked to concepts such as szervezettség (organization, coherence).

See also: Organism, Organization, Organizational structure.