Main Entry: pho·to·syn·the·sis

Pronunciation: \-ˈsin(t)-thə-səs\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin

Date: 1898

: synthesis of chemical compounds with the aid of radiant energy and especially light; especially : formation of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen (as water) in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to light

— pho·to·syn·the·size \-ˌsīz\ intransitive verb

— pho·to·syn·thet·ic \-sin-ˈthe-tik\ adjective

— pho·to·syn·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb