organique

Organique is a French adjective meaning organic. It describes things related to living organisms or to carbon-containing compounds studied in chemistry. The word derives from Latin organicus, via Old French organique, ultimately connected with organon, meaning instrument or tool, and by extension to living systems and their materials. In science, organique is commonly used to distinguish carbon-based matter (matière organique) from mineral or inorganic matter (matière inorganique).

In chemistry, chemie organique refers to the branch that studies carbon compounds, from hydrocarbons to complex biomolecules and polymers. In ecology and soil science, matière organique denotes material produced by or derived from living organisms, such as plant detritus and humus. In everyday French, organique can describe foods or products produced through natural or biological processes; however, many contexts use biologique (bio) for official labeling or certification. The term also appears in figurative usage, to describe systems, processes, or cultures that function in a cohesive, integrated, and sometimes self-regulating manner, reminiscent of a living organism.

Organique contrasts with inorganique, which denotes mineral or non-carbon-based substances, and with terms like synthétique in some contexts. The English cognate is organic, but in French the common everyday equivalents are organique and biologique. See also organic chemistry, agriculture biologique, and bio.