synthesis
synthesis — noun
1. the process of creating a chemical compound by joining together simpler substanc
the process of creating a chemical compound by joining together simpler substances in a controlled reaction
The laboratory achieved a successful synthesis of the new drug from basic organic compounds.
synthesis of [substance] from [materials]
Photosynthesis in plant leaves is the natural synthesis of sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
natural synthesis → biological context
Karim's research team developed a faster method for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics.
The industrial synthesis of ammonia requires extremely high pressure and temperature.
- combination
more general; does not imply a chemical reaction
- formation
focuses on the resulting compound rather than the combining action
- decomposition
the breaking down of a compound into simpler parts, the opposite chemical process
- breakdown
informal term for decomposition, often used in biology (e.g. protein breakdown)
文法句型
synthesis of [substance] from [materials]
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'of' to name the produced substance. Frequently modified by adjectives that specify the method: 'chemical synthesis', 'organic synthesis', 'industrial synthesis'.
常見錯誤
2. a new whole that is formed by bringing together separate ideas, styles, or eleme
a new whole that is formed by bringing together separate ideas, styles, or elements so that they combine into something fresh and unified
Her music is a synthesis of classical piano traditions and modern electronic beats.
a synthesis of [X] and [Y] — combining two distinct traditions
The architect achieved a striking synthesis between traditional Japanese design and concrete minimalism.
synthesis between [X] and [Y]
Felix argued that good software design requires a synthesis of usability, speed, and security.
The report offers a useful synthesis of findings from over fifty studies on school reform.
- integration
suggests the parts work together smoothly; less focus on transformation into something new
- fusion
stronger implication that the original elements blend almost indistinguishably; common in music and cuisine
- blend
more informal; can imply a simple mixture rather than a thoughtful combination
- amalgamation
formal; suggests a union of multiple parts into one structure
- analysis
the breaking apart of a whole into its components for examination; the opposite intellectual process
- separation
keeping things apart rather than bringing them together
- fragmentation
a state where parts remain disconnected rather than forming a whole
文法句型
a synthesis of [different things]
synthesis between [X] and [Y]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (chemical), this sense is always about combining non-material things — ideas, styles, traditions, research findings. Frequently used in academic writing to describe a literature review or theoretical framework.