Photosynthesis Meaning
/ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy.
nounAny process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy., Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
Sentence Examples
Plants need to be in a well-lit place to undergo photosynthesis.
Do all plants carry out photosynthesis?
The organism was found to be capable of photosynthesis.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Plants use sunlight during ____ to make simple food from carbon dioxide and water.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Plants use ____ to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂- Proto-Indo-European *bʰéh₂os Proto-Hellenic *pʰáwos Ancient Greek φᾰ́ος (phắos) Ancient Greek φῶς (phôs) Ancient Greek φωτο- (phōto-)der. English photo- English synthesis English photosynthesis From photo- + synthesis.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy."
— 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Plants use sunlight during ____ to make simple food from carbon dioxide and water.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Plants use ____ to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.