syn ‧ the ‧ sis /ˈsɪnθəsəs, ˈsɪnθɪsəs/ BrE AmE noun ( plural syntheses /-siːz/)
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Greek ; Origin: syntithenai 'to put together' , from syn- ( ⇨ ↑ syn- ) + tithenai 'to put' ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] something that has been made by combining different things, or the process of combining things SYN combination
synthesis of
a synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophical ideas
2 . [uncountable] the act of making a chemical or biological substance
synthesis of
the synthesis of proteins
3 . [uncountable] the production of sounds, speech, or music electronically:
speech synthesis software
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THESAURUS
▪ mixture several different substances, ideas, qualities etc that have been put together, especially so that they form one thing:
Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for 50 minutes.
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He looked at her with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.
▪ combination two or more different things, substances etc that are used together or work together:
Doctors use a combination of drugs to combat the disease.
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The business failed due to a combination of bad management and a lack of experience.
▪ blend a mixture of two or more things, qualities, or characteristics, especially ones that combine successfully or in a pleasant way:
The England team is a good side, with a nice blend of experience and youthful energy.
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The sauce uses a blend of different ingredients.
▪ a cross between something and something a mixture of very different things – used when you are describing what something looks or sounds like:
The building looked like a cross between a museum and a spaceship.
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Her music sounds like a cross between the Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse.
▪ hybrid /ˈhaɪbrəd, ˈhaɪbrɪd/ something that is produced by combining two or more things, especially using advanced scientific methods:
Scientists are combining human and animal embryos to create genetic hybrids.
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These industries use a hybrid of different technologies.
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The plant is a hybrid of wheat and rye.
▪ amalgam /əˈmælɡəm/ formal a mixture of different things, in which you can still recognize the original features:
The record is an amalgam of hard rock, jazz, and blues.
▪ synthesis formal something that has been made by combining different things, especially information or ideas:
The essay should be a synthesis of the information from various sources.