photosynthesis
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.
“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.”
“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.”
Common in science writing
From photo- + synthesis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.