photosynthesize

[ foh-tuh-sin-thuh-sahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, pho·to·syn·the·sized, pho·to·syn·the·siz·ing.

1. 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.

1. to produce by photosynthesis:

   Plants photosynthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water.

photosynthesize

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈsɪnθɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (of plants and some bacteria) to carry out photosynthesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of photosynthesize¹

First recorded in 1905–10; photo- ( def ) + synthesize ( def )

Example Sentences

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Nautilus

Stewarding a few small, photosynthesizing members of your household to a new home is an honor and a responsibility.

From 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.

From Popular-Science