Definition

To carry out the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water.

Example

Plants can photosynthesize, turning sunlight into energy.

Conversation

Did you know that plants can photosynthesize?

Yeah, it's fascinating how they make their own food!

I always thought it was such a cool process.

Me too! Nature is really amazing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To create food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, a process mainly done by plants.

Example

Plants can photosynthesize to produce their own food.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you know that plants photosynthesize to create their food?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how they use sunlight for that.

I always thought it was interesting how they can do that without any help.

Root Explanation

Photosynthesize → It is formed from "photo-" (from Greek "phōs", meaning light) and "synthesize" (from Greek "synthesis", meaning to put together). The word describes the process of putting together food using light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'light' ('photo-') being used to 'put together' ('synthesize') food in plants.

Visually Confused Words