# photosynthetic

/fˌəʊtəʊsɪnθˈɛtɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/photosynthetic
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.