inorganic matter; mineral matter
Refers to substances not derived from living organisms; used in scientific and everyday contexts.
This supplement does not contain inorganic matter.
Inorganic matter in the soil affects plant growth.
Describes a person, atmosphere, or expression that lacks warmth or emotion; often used for a sterile, mechanical, or impersonal quality.
I was disappointed by his cold, robotic reply.
The hospital waiting room had an impersonal, sterile atmosphere.
inorganic fertilizer; mineral fertilizer
Compound of 無 (mu, 'without') + 機 (ki, 'mechanism; life') + 質 (shitsu, 'substance; quality'). The adjectival sense derives from the idea of being as lifeless and cold as inorganic matter.