synthesis

Definition 1

Systematic combination of otherwise different elements to form a coherent whole.

Definition 2

Step in dialectic process where the affirmed concepts (the thesis) are countered with opposite affirmed concepts (the antithesis) to yield a final concept (the synthesis) that embraces or reconciles all acceptable concepts of the thesis and antithesis. This is how new (synthesized) knowledge emerges from the old knowledge.

Definition 3

Process in which substances combine to form completely new substances or duplicated natural products. In industrial synthesis, hydrocarbon molecules are combined in various combinations to numerous types of plastics and other new compounds. In natural synthesis, carbon dioxide and water are combined with sun's energy to produce glucose in plants (a process called photosynthesis).