| • |
An instrument or medium by which some important action is
performed, or an important end accomplished; as, legislatures, courts,
armies, taxgatherers, etc., are organs of government. |
| • |
A natural part or structure in an animal or a plant, capable
of performing some special action (termed its function), which is
essential to the life or well-being of the whole; as, the heart, lungs,
etc., are organs of animals; the root, stem, foliage, etc., are organs
of plants. |
| • |
A component part performing an essential office in the
working of any complex machine; as, the cylinder, valves, crank, etc.,
are organs of the steam engine. |
| • |
A medium of communication between one person or body and
another; as, the secretary of state is the organ of communication
between the government and a foreign power; a newspaper is the organ of
its editor, or of a party, sect, etc. |
| • |
A wind instrument containing numerous pipes of various
dimensions and kinds, which are filled with wind from a bellows, and
played upon by means of keys similar to those of a piano, and sometimes
by foot keys or pedals; -- formerly used in the plural, each pipe being
considired an organ. |
| • |
To supply with an organ or organs; to fit with organs; to
organize. |
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