synthetic

[ sin-thet-ik ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, proceeding by, or involving synthesis ( analytic ).
2. noting or pertaining to compounds formed through a chemical process by human agency, as opposed to those of natural origin:

   synthetic vitamins; synthetic fiber.

3. (of a language) characterized by a relatively widespread use of affixes, rather than separate words, to express syntactic relationships: Compare analytic ( def 3 ), polysynthetic ( def 1 ).

   Latin is a synthetic language, while English is analytic.

4. Also syn·theti·cal. Logic. of or relating to a noncontradictory proposition in which the predicate is not included in, or entailed by, the subject.
5. not real or genuine; artificial; feigned:

   a synthetic chuckle at a poor joke.

   Synonyms: sham, counterfeit, phony, fake

6. Jewelry.
   1. noting a gem mineral manufactured so as to be physically, chemically, and optically identical with the mineral as found in nature.
   2. (not in technical use) noting a gem mineral manufactured and pigmented in imitation of a natural gemstone of that name.

noun

1. something made by a synthetic, or chemical, process.
2. synthetics.
   1. substances or products made by chemical synthesis, as plastics or artificial fibers.
   2. the science or industry concerned with such products.

synthetic

/ sɪnˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. (of a substance or material) made artificially by chemical reaction
2. not genuine; insincere

   synthetic compassion

3. denoting languages, such as Latin, whose morphology is characterized by synthesis Compare polysynthetic agglutinative analytic
4. philosophy
   1. (of a proposition) having a truth-value that is not determined solely by virtue of the meanings of the words, as in all men are arrogant
   2. contingent Compare a posteriori empirical

noun

1. a synthetic substance or material

synthetic

/ sĭn-thĕt′ĭk /

1. Produced artificially, especially in a laboratory or other man-made environment. Nylon is a synthetic chemical compound.

Derived Forms

• synˈthetically, adverb

Other Words From

• syn·theti·cal·ly adverb
• nonsyn·thetic adjective
• nonsyn·theti·cal adjective
• nonsyn·theti·cal·ly adverb
• unsyn·thetic adjective
• unsyn·theti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of synthetic¹

1690–1700; < New Latin syntheticus < Greek synthetikós, equivalent to synthet ( ós ) placed together, verbid of syntithénai to put together ( syn- syn- + the-, stem of tithénai to put, place + -tos verbid suffix) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of synthetic¹

C17: from New Latin syntheticus, from Greek sunthetikos expert in putting together, from suntithenai to put together; see synthesis

Example Sentences

A Santa Clarita man was charged this week in what federal prosecutors believe is the country’s first death due to a synthetic opioid three times stronger than fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

Protonitazene, which is reportedly three times stronger than the synthetic opioid fentanyl, has been sold over the internet in recent years, according to a release from the U.S. attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

They decided to create a collection of brightly coloured, distinctive make-up brushes at a lower price point, made from synthetic fibres.

From BBC

To achieve a cheaper price, synthetic fibres were key, while the density of the hair helps to achieve a high quality finish.

From BBC

Although synthetic bristles had been around for decades, Sophie says many industry professionals used animal hair brushes when the sisters launched the brand.

From BBC

Related Words

• fabricated
• manufactured