synergism

noun

syn·​er·​gism ˈsi-nər-ˌji-zəm How to pronounce synergism (audio)
: interaction of discrete agencies (such as industrial firms), agents (such as drugs), or conditions such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects

Examples of synergism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Molecular mechanism for the umami taste synergism. Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'synergism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin synergismus, from Greek synergos

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of synergism was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near synergism

Cite this Entry

“Synergism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synergism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

synergism

noun
syn·​er·​gism ˈsin-ər-ˌjiz-əm How to pronounce synergism (audio)
: action between individual parts or forces that produces a total result that is greater than the sum of the individual results
synergist
-jəst
noun

Medical Definition

synergism

noun
syn·​er·​gism ˈsin-ər-ˌjiz-əm How to pronounce synergism (audio)
: interaction of discrete agents (as drugs) such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects

called also synergy

compare antagonism sense b

More from Merriam-Webster on synergism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!