Synthesis
/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe combination of ideas or elements into a coherent whole.
/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/
The combination of components to form a coherent whole.
The scientist's work focused on the synthesis of new materials.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building with LEGOs. Synthesis is like putting all the bricks together to make a cool spaceship or house. It’s about taking different parts and creating something new and complete.
👶 For kids: Putting things together to make something new.
More Examples
Her essay was a remarkable synthesis of different philosophical perspectives.
The course aims to provide students with skills in information synthesis.
How It's Used
"The synthesis of a new chemical compound requires careful planning and execution."
"The author's work is a masterful synthesis of historical research and imaginative storytelling."
The act or process of producing a compound or substance from its constituent elements or simpler compounds.
/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/
The production of a substance from simpler materials.
The laboratory specializes in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
💡 Simply: Imagine a chef making a cake. They take flour, sugar, eggs, and butter – all separate things – and mix them together. Synthesis is like the process of the chef creating the cake from the ingredients.
👶 For kids: Making something new from other things.
More Examples
Photosynthesis is the process of synthesizing sugars from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
The drug's synthesis required careful control of the reaction conditions.
How It's Used
"Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy."
"The synthesis of the drug involved multiple chemical reactions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Greek *synthesis* (σύνθεσις), meaning 'putting together,' from *syntithenai* (συντιθέναι), 'to put together,' from *syn-* (σύν, 'together') + *tithenai* (τιθέναι, 'to put, place').
The word 'synthesis' has been used since the 16th century and initially referred to a process of combining elements into a whole, and evolved with the development of science and philosophy.
Memory tip
Think 'syn' (together) + 'thesis' (putting together) – putting things together to make something new.
Word Origin
"Putting together"