synergy

American  

[sin-er-jee] / ˈsɪn ər dʒi /

noun

plural

synergies

1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.

2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. the cooperative action of two or more muscles, nerves, or the like.

3. Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the cooperative action of two or more stimuli or drugs.

---

synergy British  

/ sɪˈnɜːdʒɪk, ˈsɪnədʒɪ /

noun

1. Also called: synergism.  the potential ability of individual organizations or groups to be more successful or productive as a result of a merger

2. another name for synergism

---

Usage

What does synergy mean? Synergy refers to when an interaction of elements produces an effect that is greater than the effect that would have resulted from simply adding up the effects of each individual element.In other words, synergy is what happens when a combination of things produces an effect or result that is said to be “greater than the sum of its parts.”When you combine things—chemicals, ingredients, people—you often expect these things to interact in a certain way based on what has been included. But when something extra happens, something greater, this is synergy. Synergy implies that the magic is in the combination, as opposed to in the individual elements themselves.Synergy can be used in all kinds of contexts. A food critic might say that a particular dish is delicious due to the synergy of its ingredients. In the business world, the word synergy is often seen as a kind of buzzword that’s used as a way of referring to what makes a certain project or venture successful.Synergy is also used in a more specific way in the context of medicine to refer to the cooperation of multiple body parts, such as muscles or nerves. It can also refer to the interaction of drugs or other stimuli. The things that cooperate in this way can be called synergists.The word synergism can be used to mean the same thing as synergy. The adjective synergistic can be used to describe a combination that produces such an effect or things that work together in this way.Example: The cooperation between these departments produced a synergy that led to great success.

Other Word Forms

• synergic adjective

Etymology

Origin of synergy

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin synergia, from Greek synergía, from synerg(ós) “working together” ( synergism ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

“We will pursue acquisitions and investments where we see category gaps, consumer services, business synergies, or natural brand extensions through the next 12 months,” Lemonis said.

From The Wall Street Journal

This carefully tuned synergy allowed ethanol oxidation to proceed efficiently at temperatures below 250oC.

From Science Daily

Near-term financial impact may be limited, but Tan thinks the acquisition should contribute positively over time through scale, synergies and customer diversification.

From The Wall Street Journal

That debt was paid down, and the margin and revenue synergies are starting to hit.

From Barron's

"We frankly loved that it was the students' idea and a real synergy of two research areas," says Dr. Maher.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• teamwork