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noun, plural: syntheses

(biochemistry) The production of an organic compound in a living thing, especially as aided by enzymes


In general, the term synthesis pertains to the creation of something. It is the process of combining two or more components to produce an entity. In biochemistry, it refers to the production of an organic compound in a living thing, especially as aided by enzymes. There are several syntheses occurring in the cell or organism. The creation of an organic compound in a living organism is referred to as biosynthesis. One of them is photosynthesis, a synthesis of complex organic material using carbon dioxide, water, inorganic salts, and light energy (from sunlight) captured by light-absorbing pigments, such as chlorophyll and other accessory pigments.

In other relevant fields, such as chemistry, the term refers to the act or process of forming a complex substance by combining or integrating two or more chemical entities, especially through a chemical reaction. In psychiatry, synthesis pertains to the integration of different elements of the personality, in opposition to analysis.

Word origin: Latin synthesis, from Ancient Greek synthesis (a putting together)

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Related term(s):

Related form(s):

  • synthesize or synthesise (verb, to produce substance by combining chemical precursors)