photosynthesis

Etymology

photo- + synthesis

noun

1. (biology) Any process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy.
   1. principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
      Oxygen levels on Earth skyrocketed 2.4 billion years ago, when cyanobacteria evolved photosynthesis: the ability to convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy. 2013 September-October, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist
   2. also, non-oxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.