Is photosynthesize a verb or a noun?

It is a verb. The noun form is photosynthesis.

Can animals photosynthesize?

No. Plants, algae, and some bacteria do photosynthesize.

What is the difference between photosynthesize and photosynthesis?

Photosynthesize is the action word. Photosynthesis is the process itself.

Is photosynthesize used in academic writing?

Yes. It is a common science word in school and academic texts.

← Dictionary

photosynthesize

/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.saɪz/

IELTSAcademic

verb

If a plant photosynthesizes, it uses sunlight to make food from water and carbon dioxide. This process gives plants the energy they need to grow.

Most green plants photosynthesize during the day.
Leaves help the plant photosynthesize.
Without light, the plant cannot photosynthesize.

Adinary Nuance

Photosynthesize is more specific than "grow" or "make food." Use it when you mean the scientific process plants use with sunlight. It is not a general word for living, feeding, or developing.

In other languages

Vietnamese: quang hợp
Spanish: fotosintetizar
Chinese: 进行光合作用
Japanese: 光合成する
Korean: 광합성하다

Etymology

Photosynthesize comes from photo- meaning "light" and synthesize, from Greek roots. The word entered scientific English in the late 19th century.

Common phrases

photosynthesize in sunlightplants photosynthesizeable to photosynthesize

Synonyms

assimilate

Frequently asked questions

Is photosynthesize a verb or a noun?: It is a verb. The noun form is photosynthesis.
Can animals photosynthesize?: No. Plants, algae, and some bacteria do photosynthesize.
What is the difference between photosynthesize and photosynthesis?: Photosynthesize is the action word. Photosynthesis is the process itself.
Is photosynthesize used in academic writing?: Yes. It is a common science word in school and academic texts.