inorganic matter; inorganic substance
General term for non-living material, often contrasted with 有機物 (organic matter). Used in everyday and scientific contexts.
See also: 有機物
Rocks are made of inorganic matter.
無機物と有機物の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between inorganic and organic substances.
Chemistry-specific term for a compound that is not organic. Often used in technical contexts; the full term 無機化合物 is also common.
See also: 無機化合物
水は最も身近な無機物の一つだ。
Water is one of the most familiar inorganic compounds.
Microorganisms break down organic matter into inorganic matter.
This soil contains a lot of inorganic matter.