noun
photosynthesis
foh-toh-SIHN-thuh-sihs
Photosynthesis (noun) means the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, typically producing oxygen as a byproduct. Example: “Photosynthesis allows plants to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.”
noun
1
The process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, typically producing oxygen as a byproduct.
"Photosynthesis allows plants to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food."
"Without enough sunlight, the plant's rate of photosynthesis drops sharply."
"Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy."
— , In the News (2013)
How to use photosynthesis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe process plants use to make their own food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Common pairings
rate of photosynthesis
process of photosynthesis
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Word forms
- Plural
- photosyntheses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ allows plants to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.
Etymology
From "photo-" ("light") plus "synthesis" ("putting together").
Rhymes for photosynthesis
thesis
nemesis
genesis
exegesis
diaeresis
anamnesis
apheresis
synthesis
antithesis
epenthesis
hypothesis
prosthesis
See all rhymes for photosynthesis →
Frequently asked questions
What does “photosynthesis” mean?
The word “photosynthesis” means the process by which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, typically producing oxygen as a byproduct. In plain terms, the process plants use to make their own food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
How do you pronounce “photosynthesis”?
“Photosynthesis” is pronounced foh-toh-SIHN-thuh-sihs (/ˌfoʊ.toʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “photosynthesis” in a sentence?
Here is “photosynthesis” used in a sentence: “Photosynthesis allows plants to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.”
What part of speech is “photosynthesis”?
“Photosynthesis” is a noun.
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