photosynthèse
/fɔ.tɔ.sɛ̃.tɛz/feminine
Photosynthesis in French is photosynthèse.
The term refers to the biological process of photosynthesis.
Meaning: biological process (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix photo- comes from the Greek 'phōs', meaning light.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, photosynthèse is preceded by the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔ.tɔ.sɛ̃.tɛz/ (4 syllables)
Did you know?
- If you were to describe a plant 'doing' photosynthesis in a lab, you would use the verb faire la photosynthèse, treating it almost like a routine task.
- The suffix -thèse in photosynthèse shares the same root as the English word 'hypothesis', coming from the Greek word for 'position' or 'placement'.
- While English uses 'photosynthesis' for both the process and the chemical reaction, French scientists may distinguish between la photosynthèse and la phase photochimique.
Examples in context
- Les enzymes sont responsables de la digestion, de la respiration, de la photosynthèse et du métabolisme. Elles sont chargées de la formation de chacun d'entre nous et nous maintiennent en vie. Elles sont les moteurs de la vie.Enzymes are responsible for digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolism. They are responsible for forming all of us and keeping us alive. They are the engines of life.Tatoeba #10652672 by carlosalberto, translation #10652627 by carlosalberto
- La photosynthèse est un processus vital pour les plantes vertes.Photosynthesis is a vital process for green plants.
- Les enfants apprennent la photosynthèse à l'école.Children learn about photosynthesis at school.
- La photosynthèse nécessite de la lumière du soleil.Photosynthesis requires sunlight.
- Ce processus s'appelle la photosynthèse.This process is called photosynthesis.
Example conversation
Two students are studying biology in a library.
- ChloéPeux-tu m'expliquer la photosynthèse, Gabriel ?Can you explain photosynthesis to me, Gabriel?
- GabrielBien sûr, c'est un processus essentiel pour les plantes.Of course, it is an essential process for plants.
- ChloéEst-ce que la photosynthèse produit de l'oxygène ?Does photosynthesis produce oxygen?
- GabrielOui, elle produit aussi du glucose.Yes, it also produces glucose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “photosynthesis” translations and entries photosynthèse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
