Word
photosynthetic
Phoneticspho·to·syn·thet·ic
UK/fˌəʊtəʊsɪnθˈɛtɪk/
Definition
adj. relating to the way green plants make food using light from the sun. You use it to talk about leaves, algae, or bacteria that do this.
adj. relating to or capable of photosynthesis, the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Often used attributively before nouns denoting organisms, tissues, or activity.
Examples
“Green leaves have photosynthetic cells that use sunlight.”
“The biology class measures photosynthetic activity by tracking oxygen bubbles from pondweed in sunlight.”
“Despite low light on the forest floor, photosynthetic ferns sustain growth by capturing brief sunflecks that pierce the dense canopy above.”
Examples
simple
“Green leaves have photosynthetic cells that use sunlight.”
contextual
“The biology class measures photosynthetic activity by tracking oxygen bubbles from pondweed in sunlight.”
complex
“Despite low light on the forest floor, photosynthetic ferns sustain growth by capturing brief sunflecks that pierce the dense canopy above.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “photosynthetic” in context.
Verb
01. become photosynthetic
“The young shoot will soon become photosynthetic.”
verb + adj
Adjective
02. actively photosynthetic
“Young leaves are actively photosynthetic even in low light.”
adv + adj
03. fully photosynthetic
“The seedling becomes fully photosynthetic after two weeks.”
adv + adj
04. highly photosynthetic
“Sugarcane leaves are highly photosynthetic during the summer months.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. photosynthetic activity
“Drought significantly reduces photosynthetic activity in crops.”
adj + noun
06. photosynthetic capacity
“Shade leaves have lower photosynthetic capacity than sun leaves.”
adj + noun
07. photosynthetic efficiency
“Scientists aim to improve photosynthetic efficiency in rice.”
adj + noun
08. photosynthetic organism
“Algae is a simple photosynthetic organism found in ponds.”
adj + noun
09. enhance photosynthetic efficiency
“Researchers are trying to enhance photosynthetic efficiency to increase yields.”
10. measure photosynthetic activity
“We use a sensor to measure photosynthetic activity in the forest.”
11. photosynthetic capacity of leaves
“Nitrogen supply directly affects the photosynthetic capacity of leaves.”
12. photosynthetic organisms produce oxygen
“Photosynthetic organisms produce most of the oxygen we breathe.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Etymology
From photo- + synthetic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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