photosynthesis

noun ! Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about photosynthesis at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

1. Any 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. Also, nonoxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.
2. Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
3. Also, nonoxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.