photosynthesis
/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The process in which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food and release oxygen.
- Plants make food by photosynthesis.
- Sunlight helps photosynthesis happen.
- Photosynthesis gives us much of the oxygen we breathe.
Adinary Nuance
Photosynthesis is more specific than words like growth or respiration. Growth is about becoming bigger, while photosynthesis is the process that makes plant food. It is also not the same as respiration, which is how living things release energy from food. Scientists use photosynthesis when they mean the light-based food-making process in plants.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quang hợp
- Spanish
- fotosíntesis
- Chinese
- 光合作用
- Japanese
- 光合成
- Korean
- 광합성
Etymology
Photosynthesis comes from Greek photo- meaning “light” and synthesis meaning “putting together.” The word entered English in the late 19th century.
Common phrases
photosynthesis in plantsrate of photosynthesisprocess of photosynthesisphotosynthesis and respiration
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is photosynthesis used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is a standard scientific word used in biology and school textbooks.
- What is the difference between photosynthesis and respiration?
- Photosynthesis makes food using sunlight. Respiration releases energy from food.
- Can I say plants do photosynthesis?
- Yes. That is a natural and correct way to say it.