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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eating enough protein is essential for optimizing muscle protein synthesis, the process of gaining lean muscle tissue. Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Dec. 2024 Fifth, magnesium stimulates protein synthesis, helping to keep muscle mass intact and strong. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024 But by combining classic synthesis methods with advanced analytical techniques, including both high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, the scientists were ultimately able to isolate and identify chloronitramide anion. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024 Good Source of Iron Iron is essential to red blood cell production for cell growth and function, hormone synthesis, and neurological development.18 Chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice are often used in making hummus. Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 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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