Metalorganic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or designating a compound formed by bonding organic molecules directly to a metal atom or center
2. Describing a substance in which organic groups are covalently attached to a metal element, often used in synthesis and catalysis
3. Of or pertaining to a hybrid material combining metal atoms with carbon-based organic ligands in a single molecular structure

Etymology: "Metalorganic" is a plain compound, built from "metal" and "organic" with no further history attached to the joining. The first element comes from Old French "metal" and ultimately from Latin "metallum", a word for ore and mine products. The second comes from "organic", which traces back through Latin "organicus" to Greek "organon", meaning instrument or tool. Put together, the term describes chemical compounds in which metal atoms are bonded to carbon-containing organic groups.

Synonyms: organometallic