photosynthesis
noun
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Photosynthesis Has Greek Roots
The Greek roots of photosynthesis combine to produce the basic meaning "to put together with the help of light". Photosynthesis is what first produced oxygen in the atmosphere billions of years ago, and it's still what keeps it there. Sunlight splits the water molecules (made of hydrogen and oxygen) held in a plant's leaves and releases the oxygen in them into the air. The leftover hydrogen combines with carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates, which the plant uses as food—as do any animals or humans who might eat the plant.
Examples of photosynthesis in a Sentence
David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Even more astonishing, photosynthesis requires only three ingredients.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
After all, fungi are genetically more closely related to humans than other stalwarts of nature including trees and grass — and like people, fungi must eat to survive rather than rely on photosynthesis.
—Peter Breen, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2024
In this respect, electro-agriculture would differ fundamentally from conventional agriculture: although farms obviously consume electricity, at the most basic level, photosynthesis requires no power.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for photosynthesis 
Dictionary Entries Near photosynthesis
Cite this Entry
“Photosynthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photosynthesis. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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photosynthesis
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photosynthesis
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