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n. pl. syn·the·ses (-sēz′) 1. a. The combining of separate elements or substances to form a coherent whole. b. The complex whole so formed. 2. Chemistry Formation of a compound from simpler compounds or elements. 3. Philosophy a. Reasoning from the general to the particular; logical deduction. b. The combination of thesis and antithesis in the Hegelian dialectical process whereby a new and higher level of truth is produced. [Latin, collection, from Greek sunthesis, from suntithenai, to put together : sun-, syn- + tithenai, to put; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] synthe·sist n. |
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