Word
photosynthesis
Phoneticspho·to·syn·the·sis, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfoʊtoʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/
UK/fˌəʊtəʊsˈɪnθəsˌɪs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way green plants use sunlight to make their own food. They take in water and air to create energy and release oxygen.
n. the biochemical process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During this process, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.
Examples
“Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis to happen.”
“During the day, the leaves of the oak tree are busy with photosynthesis, converting solar energy into sugars.”
“The rate of photosynthesis is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and ambient temperature, all of which determine the plant's overall growth potential.”
Examples
simple
“Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis to happen.”
contextual
“During the day, the leaves of the oak tree are busy with photosynthesis, converting solar energy into sugars.”
complex
“The rate of photosynthesis is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and ambient temperature, all of which determine the plant's overall growth potential.”
Real-World Examples
“Because the forest canopy influences shade, temperature, water loss and photosynthesis, the index provides a powerful measure of forest function.” “Its light-trapping cavity and proton-shuttling shell could open new possibilities for cleaner chemical manufacturing and artificial photosynthesis.” Etymology
From photo- + synthesis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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