photosynthesize

[ foh-tuh-sin-thuh-sahyz ]

/ ˌfoʊ təˈsɪn θəˌsaɪz /

Biology, Biochemistry

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verb (used without object), pho·to·syn·the·sized, pho·to·syn·the·siz·ing.

to produce carbohydrates by photosynthesis: Plants with light green leaves don't photosynthesize as well as those with darker leaves.

verb (used with object), pho·to·syn·the·sized, pho·to·syn·the·siz·ing.

to produce by photosynthesis: Plants photosynthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water.

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Words nearby photosynthesize

photo spread, photostat, photo story, photosynthate, photosynthesis, photosynthesize, photosystem, phototaxis, phototelegraphy, phototheodolite, phototherapeutics

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use photosynthesize in a sentence

Cover crops photosynthesize throughout the winter, bringing up more nutrients from the soil to make them available for the upcoming cannabis planting season in the spring.
The Ecology of Good Weed - Issue 104: Harmony|Madison Margolin|August 25, 2021|Nautilus
Spawn some gas vesicles, and you’ll become more buoyant, floating closer to the surface and finding more sunlight to photosynthesize into life-giving energy.
Scientists genetically engineered prehistoric proteins to detect diseases|Claire Maldarelli|August 16, 2021|Popular-Science
The tiny animals making up a coral colony can only exist by keeping a greenhouse full of tiny, photosynthesizing algae deep within its transparent flesh.
Twilight of the Nautilus - Issue 104: Harmony|Peter Ward|August 11, 2021|Nautilus
Stewarding a few small, photosynthesizing members of your household to a new home is an honor and a responsibility.
How to ship your beloved houseplants across the country without killing them|John Kennedy|June 22, 2021|Popular-Science

The researchers found that when trees that were able to photosynthesize more efficiently—thanks to warmer spring and summer temperatures—they lost their leaves sooner.
Climate change is affecting fall foliage, but not in the way you think|Ula Chrobak|November 30, 2020|Popular-Science

British Dictionary definitions for photosynthesize

photosynthesize

photosynthesise

/ (ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɪˌsaɪz) /

verb

(of plants and some bacteria) to carry out photosynthesis

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012