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Definition of photosynthesize

photosynthesize

/ˌfoʊ.toʊˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/
(UK: photosynthesise)
pho · to · syn · the · size
Adverb:photosynthetically
•
Adjective:photosynthetic
•
Past Simple:photosynthesized
•
Past Participle:photosynthesized
•
Present Participle:photosynthesizing
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photosynthesize Lexical Profile

photosynthesize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using the energy of sunlight (of a green plant, alga, or specialized bacterium).

Example

"Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn and cannot photosynthesize until new foliage emerges in the spring."

2

To synthesize a chemical compound using radiant energy, especially light, as the primary energy source.

Example

"During the sunlit hours, the chloroplasts rapidly photosynthesize the simple sugars needed to fuel cellular growth."

• Rhymes for photosynthesize

• Nearby Words

photoshop
photostory
photosynthesis
photosynthesize
photovoltaic
phrasal
phrase

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a back-formation from "photosynthesis," combining the Greek prefix "photo-" (from "phos," meaning "light") with "synthesis" (from "syntithenai," meaning "to put together").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Photosynthesize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/photosynthesize
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