organ

[/ˈɔːrɡən/]
nounmasculinepl: organs
órgão
1. A part of an animal or plant body that has a specific function
The heart is a vital organ.
O coração é um órgão vital.
2. A large wind instrument with pipes, played using a keyboard
She played the organ in the church.
Ela tocava órgão na igreja.
3. A newspaper or publication that represents a particular group or organization
The newspaper is the official organ of the political party.
O jornal é o órgão oficial do partido político.
4. An agency or institution responsible for a specific function
The United Nations is an international organ.
As Nações Unidas são um órgão internacional.
In Brazil, 'órgão' is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts to refer to biological organs, musical instruments, and government agencies. The organ as a musical instrument has less prominence in popular Brazilian culture compared to the USA, where it has a stronger tradition in jazz, blues, and gospel music.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
structureinstrumentpublicationagencybody

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
órgão
Standard term used across all contexts
Portugal
órgão
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, universal usage
Medical/Scientific
órgão
Formal usage in anatomical and biological contexts

Related Words

organismorganicorganizationorganizetissue

Related Idioms & Phrases

organ grinder - a street musician who plays a hand-cranked organ (o tocador de realejo)
pull out all the stops - to use all available resources (from organ pipe terminology)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →