photosynthesis
pho.to.syn.the.sis \.fo-t-*-'sin(t)-th*-s*s\ \-.si-z\ \-(.)sin-'thet-ik\ \-i-k(*-)le-\ n [NL] : synthesis of chemical compounds with the aid of radiant energy and esp. light; esp : formation of carbohydrates in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to light - pho.to.syn.the.size vi