photosynthesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Academic / Scientific / Educational
Quick answer
What does “photosynthesis” mean?
The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Any analogous process where light energy is converted into chemical energy. In figurative use, it can describe any process of growth or creation fueled by external energy or inspiration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “photosynthesis” in a Sentence
NOUN undergoes photosynthesisNOUN carries out photosynthesisPhotosynthesis produces NOUNPhotosynthesis requires NOUNVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photosynthesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The algae photosynthesise even in low light conditions.
- Researchers measured how quickly the seedlings could photosynthesise.
American English
- The algae photosynthesize even in low light conditions.
- Researchers measured how quickly the seedlings could photosynthesize.
adverb
British English
- The plant grew photosynthetically active.
- (Usage is extremely rare; 'photosynthetically' is the standard adverbial form.)
American English
- The plant grew photosynthetically active.
- (Usage is extremely rare; 'photosynthetically' is the standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The photosynthetic apparatus was damaged by the herbicide.
- They studied the plant's photosynthetic efficiency.
American English
- The photosynthetic apparatus was damaged by the herbicide.
- They studied the plant's photosynthetic efficiency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like agriculture, biofuels, or climate tech. E.g., 'The new crop strain improves photosynthetic efficiency, boosting yields.'
Academic
Core term in biology, botany, environmental science, and chemistry. E.g., 'The paper models net primary productivity based on photosynthetic rates.'
Everyday
Used in general education, news about climate, and gardening contexts. E.g., 'Without photosynthesis, there would be no oxygen for us to breathe.'
Technical
Precise term in plant physiology, biochemistry, and agronomy. E.g., 'The Calvin cycle is the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photosynthesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photosynthesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photosynthesis”
- Pronouncing it as /foto-sin-THAY-sis/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a photosynthesis').
- Misspelling as 'photosythesis' or 'photosinthesis'.
- Confusing it with 'phototropism' (growth toward light).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, some plants are parasitic or lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Examples include the ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora).
Oxygen (O₂) is the primary byproduct released into the atmosphere.
With very rare exceptions (like the sea slug Elysia chlorotica, which incorporates chloroplasts), animals cannot perform photosynthesis as they lack chlorophyll and the necessary cellular machinery.
It is the foundation of almost all food chains, converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in sugars. It is also the primary source of atmospheric oxygen and plays a key role in regulating carbon dioxide levels.
The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Photosynthesis is usually academic / scientific / educational in register.
Photosynthesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] The startup's growth had a kind of corporate photosynthesis, fueled by venture capital instead of sunlight.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PHOTO (like a photograph needs light) + SYNTHESIS (putting things together). Plants use light to put together food.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PLANT IS A FACTORY (that uses sunlight as power to manufacture food and oxygen).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a primary requirement for photosynthesis in plants?