organic matter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was a tale about organic matter, the sound and smell of silk, wool and cotton, their inevitable decay a result of skin secretions, chemicals, light and time.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Fires that start below the surface often begin spontaneously, as organic matter decomposes and creates heat, fueled by oxygen that sneaks in through the cracks.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

The Appalachian springsnail is basically a tiny aquatic cow that mows over algae and other organic matter, sucking them up and extracting whatever nutrients it can.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

There, instead of burial or cremation, bodies are placed in a sealed vessel containing organic matter such as alfalfa, straw and wood chips.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Terrestrial soil is loaded with the organic remains of once-living organisms; Martian soil has less organic matter than the surface of the Moon.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan