organiske

Organiske is the plural form of the adjective organisk in several Scandinavian languages, notably Norwegian and Danish, used to describe things related to living matter, carbon-containing compounds, or products produced under organic farming standards. In chemistry, the term refers to organic compounds, which are typically carbon-based substances that also contain hydrogen and often other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. The concept has its roots in the historic idea that such compounds originated from living organisms, but modern chemistry recognizes that many organic compounds can be synthesized in the laboratory.

The field of organic chemistry studies the structures, properties, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds. It covers a broad range of substances, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, esters, polymers, and biologically important molecules. While the term historically contrasted organics with inorganic compounds, many areas now overlap with biochemistry, materials science, and medicinal chemistry. Organics are typically distinguished by their carbon skeletons and covalent bonding patterns, though exceptions and evolved definitions exist in advanced sub-disciplines.

In everyday use, organisk or organisk-labeled products are associated with organic farming or food production, emphasizing farming practices that avoid synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilizers and often require certification. The word can also describe biological systems or organic matter in soils and ecosystems, where it denotes anything derived from living organisms or related to life processes.

See also: organic chemistry, organic farming, organics.