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

According to the historian Massimo Montanari, during the late medieval period (1300-1500), when the arts of torta and pasta making were developing side by side, there was a kind of synthesis of the two skills. —Rachel Roddy, New York Times, 13 May 2024

When done properly, this procedure allows patients’ body to absorb more oxygen than possible at lower air pressure, promoting tissue regeneration, collagen synthesis, and reinstating balanced body functions. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 May 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