photosynthesize

[foh-tuh-sin-thuh-sahyz]

verb (used without object)

photosynthesized, photosynthesizing 

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)

photosynthesized, photosynthesizing 

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

In a few months, a single leaf emerges, allowing the plant to photosynthesize and rebuild the energy needed for its next bloom, two to three years later.

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"So phytoplankton use carbon to photosynthesize while things like mussels also use carbon to build their shells."

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This evolution was punctuated around 30 million years ago with the emergence of a newer, better way to photosynthesize.

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C4 plants recruit bundle sheath cells, which normally serve as leaf vein support, to photosynthesize alongside mesophyll cells.

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This would explain how bundle sheath cells in C4 plants gained the ability to photosynthesize.

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