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

Advanced Threat Detection Systems built solely around rules cannot detect new and previously unrecognized anomalies, unlike the synthesis of network traffic patterns, user behavior and system logs. —Chirag Shah, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Proteins are the building blocks of muscles, tissues, and cells, and sufficient protein intake is necessary for muscle protein synthesis and repair. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 Oct. 2024

These models can simulate some important biomolecular processes in the synthesis of proteins, such as transcription and translation. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024

Because women experience a dramatic reduction in collagen synthesis after menopause, Weitzner designed a special tool to stimulate fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 4 Oct. 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