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

Example Sentences

a philosophy that is a kind of synthesis of several schools of Western and Eastern thought

Recent Examples on the Web

Those dedicated ingredients include brown algae extract for further hydration and to boost collagen synthesis, biosaccharides to boost radiance, as well as a complex comprised of lima bean extract, peptides, and bioflavonoids to keep skin firm and resilient. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 May 2023

Cambrium, a leading German start-up focused on applying generative AI to protein design and synthesis, has successfully completed its collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, a company building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity. —John Cumbers, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

But what’s the intention behind that synthesis? —WIRED, 14 Feb. 2023

Both of these nutrients are vital for dopamine synthesis. —Dallas News, 24 Jan. 2023

Her obsession with craft propelled her explorations, from religious epiphany to elegant abstraction to mythical synthesis. —Hamilton Cain, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2022

With a great gift for synthesis, Srinivasan brings together ideas that have been circulating in various academic disciplines, the press, and social media. —Elaine Blair, The New York Review of Books, 7 Sep. 2022

Corn and potato, meanwhile, are high in leucine, an amino acid that signals the first step for muscle-protein synthesis, Hertzler said. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2023

If researchers could use this genetic analysis to identify aberrant protein synthesis, new drugs could be formulated to interfere with this process. —Matthew M. Kurtz, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023

See More

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

• 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