chemosynthesis
the synthesis of organic compounds within an organism, with chemical reactions providing the energy source.
Origin of chemosynthesis
1Other words from chemosynthesis
- che·mo·syn·thet·ic [kee-moh-sin-thet-ik, kem-oh-], /ˌki moʊ sɪnˈθɛt ɪk, ˌkɛm oʊ-/, adjective
- che·mo·syn·thet·i·cal·ly, adverb
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British Dictionary definitions for chemosynthesis
/ (ˌkɛməʊˈsɪnθɪsɪs) /
the formation of organic material by certain bacteria using energy derived from simple chemical reactions
Derived forms of chemosynthesis
- chemosynthetic (ˌkɛməʊsɪnˈθɛtɪk), adjective
- chemosynthetically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for chemosynthesis
[ kē′mō-sĭn′thĭ-sĭs ]
The formation of organic compounds using the energy released from chemical reactions instead of the energy of sunlight. Bacteria living in aphotic areas of the ocean are able to survive by chemosynthesis. They use energy derived from the oxidation of inorganic chemicals, such as sulfur released from deep hydrothermal vents, to produce their food. Compare photosynthesis.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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