Definition of: synthesis

(sin′thə·sis) noun plural ·ses (-sēz)
1. The assembling of separate or subordinate parts into a new form; also, the complex whole resulting from this.
2. Ling. The combination of radical and formative or inflectional elements in one word, as in un–think–ing, homewards.
3. Logic a Combination of separate elements into a whole, as of species into genera: contrasted with analysis. b A process of reasoning from the whole to a part, from the general to the particular; deductive reasoning.
4. Surg. The operation of reuniting broken or divided parts, as of bones.
5. Chem. a The building up of compounds from a series of reactions involving elements, radicals, or simpler compounds. b The preparation by such means of organic compounds which have specific properties or are identical in certain respects with naturally occurring substances. Compare ANALYSIS. [<L <Gk. <syntithenai <syn- together + tithenai place]
—syn′the·sist noun