photosynthesize

[ foh-tuh-sin-thuh-sahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, pho·to·syn·the·sized, pho·to·syn·the·siz·ing.

1. to produce carbohydrates by photosynthesis:

   Plants with light green leaves don't photosynthesize as well as those with darker leaves.

verb (used with object)

, pho·to·syn·the·sized, pho·to·syn·the·siz·ing.

1. to produce by photosynthesis:

   Plants photosynthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water.

photosynthesize

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (of plants and some bacteria) to carry out photosynthesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of photosynthesize¹

First recorded in 1905–10; photo- ( def ) + synthesize ( def )

Example Sentences

"By altering the expression of these proteins, we can unlock maize's capacity to photosynthesize more efficiently and grow more robustly, even under challenging environmental conditions."

From Science Daily

Researchers were curious about how the algal colonies inside reacted to this process -- in particular, whether they continued to photosynthesize as normal, and if not, what was controlling that?

From Science Daily

They rely on a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-cell algae that live inside the coral polyp’s tissue where they photosynthesize, passing sugar and other nutrients to their hosts.

From National Geographic

Of all the organisms that photosynthesize, land plants have the most complex bodies.

From Science Daily

Trees photosynthesize to create sugars and other carbohydrates, which provide the energy they need to grow and repair tissue.

From Science Magazine