synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
a
: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
b
: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound
c
: the combining of often diverse conceptions into a coherent whole
also : the complex so formed
2
a
: deductive reasoning
b
: the dialectic combination of thesis and antithesis into a higher stage of truth
3
: the frequent and systematic use of inflected forms as a characteristic device of a language
synthesist noun

Examples of synthesis in a Sentence

a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
From a chemical perspective, the extraction, synthesis, or compounding of those medications is not terribly technically difficult. Jorge Just, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 This integration changes how people approach tasks that need fast data analysis and synthesis. Gerui Wang, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Du Châtelet was searching for a grand synthesis of Newtonian, Cartesian, and Leibnizian ideas, in the way that Viennese visionaries of the nineteen-twenties hoped to unify all the sciences, and in the way that later thinkers tried to reconcile quantum physics with Einstein—and both with theology. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Advil blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins and COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes. Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for synthesis 

Word History

Etymology

Greek, from syntithenai to put together, from syn- + tithenai to put, place — more at do

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of synthesis was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near synthesis

Cite this Entry

“Synthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthesis. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun
syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
: the combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
especially : the production of a substance by union of chemically simpler substances
2
a
: the combining of often very different ideas into an ordered whole
b
: the product so formed

Medical Definition

synthesis

noun
syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
plural syntheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce synthesis (audio)
1
: the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole
2
: the production of a substance by the union of chemical elements, groups, or simpler compounds or by the degradation of a complex compound
protein synthesis

More from Merriam-Webster on synthesis

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