verb
- to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose or other organic compounds, using carbon dioxide and water (chiefly British spelling; American English uses 'photosynthesize')
Usage: British English variant; American English prefers 'photosynthesize'; used of plants, algae, and certain bacteria
Examples
- Plants photosynthesise during the day when sunlight is available.
- Green algae photosynthesise in freshwater ponds and lakes.
- The leaves photosynthesise more efficiently in bright sunlight.
- Cyanobacteria photosynthesise and produce oxygen as a byproduct.
- Without sufficient light, plants cannot photosynthesise effectively.