organic compounds

[/ɔːrˈɡænɪk ˈkɒmpaʊndz/]
nounpl: organic compounds
compostos orgânicos
1. Chemical substances containing carbon atoms bonded with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, typically found in or derived from living organisms
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are essential organic compounds in living cells.
Proteínas, gorduras e carboidratos são compostos orgânicos essenciais nas células vivas.
2. In chemistry, any molecule that contains carbon-hydrogen bonds and forms the basis of biochemistry and life on Earth
Scientists study organic compounds to understand metabolic processes.
Os cientistas estudam compostos orgânicos para compreender os processos metabólicos.
3. Products or substances derived from natural sources without synthetic pesticides or chemicals (in commercial/agricultural context)
This farm produces organic compounds free from artificial fertilizers.
Esta fazenda produz compostos orgânicos livres de fertilizantes artificiais.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'organic compounds' is a standard scientific term taught in chemistry and biology curricula. In Brazil, there is also significant commercial use of 'orgânico' in agriculture and food industries, reflecting the growing organic movement. The term is culturally neutral and primarily used in academic, scientific, and commercial agricultural settings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
organic moleculescarbon compoundsbiochemical compoundsnatural compounds
Antonyms / Antônimos
inorganic compoundsmineral compoundssynthetic inorganic substances

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
compostos orgânicos
Standard term used in academic and scientific contexts throughout Brazil
Portugal
compostos orgânicos
Same term used; alternatively 'moléculas orgânicas' in some contexts
São Paulo
compostos orgânicos
Common in scientific and educational institutions
Agricultural/Commercial Brazil
produtos orgânicos or compostos naturais
When referring to organic/natural agricultural products

Related Words

chemistrybiochemistrycarbonmoleculesinorganic compoundshydrocarbonsamino acidspolymers

Related Idioms & Phrases

back to basics/organic
going organic
the building blocks of life
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →