biosynthesizing
|bi-o-syn-the-siz-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪoʊˈsɪnθəˌsaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˌbaɪəʊˈsɪnθəˌsaɪz/
(biosynthesize)
make (complex) molecules in living systems
Etymology
'biosynthesize' is formed from the combining form 'bio-' from Greek 'bios' meaning 'life' + the verb 'synthesize', ultimately from Greek 'synthesis' meaning 'a putting together'.
'bio-' (Greek 'bios', "life") was combined in modern English/Scientific coinage with 'synthesize' (from Greek 'synthesis', 'placing together' via New Latin/Modern scientific usage) to create the verb 'biosynthesize' in the 19th–20th century context of biochemistry.
Initially coined to name laboratory or theoretical processes of combining biological elements, it came to mean more broadly 'to produce complex compounds within living systems' in modern biochemical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or act of biosynthesizing; the production of complex molecules by living systems (gerund/nominal use of the verb).
Biosynthesizing of the compound was observed in cultured plant cells under stress conditions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to synthesize (complex molecules) within living organisms or by biological processes; to carry out biosynthesis.
The microorganisms are biosynthesizing essential vitamins that the host cannot obtain from its diet.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/17 14:45