photosynthesis
|pho-to-syn-the-sis|
🇺🇸
/ˌfoʊtəˈsɪnθəsɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˌfəʊtəˈsɪnθəsɪs/
make food using light
Etymology
'photosynthesis' originates from Greek, specifically the combining form 'photo-' from 'phōtós' meaning 'light' and 'synthesis' from 'synthesis' meaning 'a putting together' or 'composition'.
'photosynthesis' was coined in scientific English in the 19th century from Neo-Latin/Modern Greek elements ('photo-' + 'synthesis'), with 'synthesis' itself coming into English via Latin and Greek ('synthesis').
Initially a compound meaning 'putting together by light' in a general sense; over time it came to denote the specific biochemical process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (the modern scientific meaning).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy (usually from the sun), carbon dioxide, and water into chemical energy stored as glucose, releasing oxygen as a by-product.
Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/09 10:57