Meaning
合成 means to combine separate elements or components to form a new whole, especially through chemical or technical processes. It's commonly used in scientific contexts for synthesizing materials, compounds, or creating composite products. The word can function as both a verb (to synthesize) and a noun (synthesis, composite material).
Usage
Frequently used in chemistry, biology, manufacturing, and technology contexts. Common in academic and technical writing. When used as a verb, it often appears with objects like 材料 (materials), 化合物 (compounds), or 产品 (products). In everyday speech, it might refer to artificial or man-made materials as opposed to natural ones.
Examples
- 01这种药物是通过化学方法合成的。.This medicine is synthesized through chemical methods.
- 02合成材料在现代工业中应用广泛。.Synthetic materials are widely used in modern industry.
Characters
Common collocations
- 合成材料synthetic material
- 合成纤维synthetic fiber
- 人工合成artificially synthesized
- 合成革synthetic leather
Antonyms
Origin
The compound literally means 'combine-become,' reflecting the process of bringing elements together to create something new. The word naturally evolved from classical Chinese usage where 合 (unite) and 成 (accomplish/become) together express the completion of a combining process.