synthesis

/ˈsɪnθəsəs/

/ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/

Other forms: syntheses; synthesises

Synthesis is the act of combining elements to form something new. If you describe your bedroom decor as a synthesis of vintage and punk, we'll know you mean a mixture of these two styles.

Synthesis can be either concrete or abstract. Scientists use the word to talk about what happens when chemicals combine — think of photosynthesis: the process by which plants synthesize light, carbon dioxide, and water to produce food. If you write a screenplay titled Batman Saves Jane Eyre, then that's synthesis as well (though you may have trouble selling it). Synthesis can also refer to the act of combining ideas.

Definitions of synthesis

1. noun

   the combination of ideas into a complex whole
   synonyms: synthetic thinking

   antonyms:

   analysis

   the abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations

   type of:

   abstract thought, logical thinking, reasoning

   thinking that is coherent and logical
2. noun

   the process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds)
   types:

   biogenesis, biosynthesis

   production of a chemical compound by a living organism

   chemosynthesis

   synthesis of carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water; limited to certain bacteria and fungi

   nucleosynthesis

   (astronomy) the cosmic synthesis of atoms more complex than the hydrogen atom

   type of:

   chemical action, chemical change, chemical process

   (chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
3. noun

   reasoning from the general to the particular (or from cause to effect)
   synonyms: deduction, deductive reasoning

   types:

   syllogism

   deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises

   type of:

   abstract thought, logical thinking, reasoning

   thinking that is coherent and logical