What does the term 'organic' imply about a substance?

The term 'organic' primarily refers to a classification of compounds that contain carbon. In the context of chemistry, organic substances are defined by the presence of carbon atoms, which are typically bonded to hydrogen and may also be bonded to other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. This definition is foundational in organic chemistry and applies to a vast range of substances, from simple molecules to complex biological macromolecules.

While the other options touch on relevant aspects of what might be perceived as 'organic' in different contexts—such as being free from chemicals or produced without synthetic additives—they do not capture the fundamental chemical definition of organic compounds. The focus on carbon content is what truly defines a substance as organic in the scientific sense.