synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses ˈsin(t)-thə-ˌsēz 

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

ˈsin(t)-thə-sist 

noun

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• combination
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture

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

Advil blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins and COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Manganese is necessary for energy metabolism and immune function, while copper acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, iron metabolism, and more.1112 4. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Katie Hafner: Dora wrote her thesis on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, an aspect of organic chemistry still used in industry today. —Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024

Reviews and syntheses: Composition and characteristics of burrowing animals along a climate and ecological gradient, Chile Nature Protocols. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing synthesis

• synthesis gas

Kids Definition

synthesis

noun

syn·​the·​sis ˈsin(t)-thə-səs 

plural syntheses -thə-ˌsēz 

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 

plural syntheses -ˌsēz 

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