photosynthesis

Term: photosynthesis

Origin
Anc Greek φωτο/photo(=light) + σύνθεσις/synthesis(=(=composition) à composition by light

>φωτο> φώσκω/fosko(=to illuminate) > φάος, φως/fos (=light)

>συντίθημι /syntithimi (=to combine) >συν/syn(=together" + τίθεμαι/tithenai(=to put, place, to arrange)

History  

The term was coined in 1893 by American botanist Charles Barnes  (1858-1910) instead of the previous word "assimilation". He wrote " ‘assimilation’, ‘assimilation proper’, and ‘assimilation of carbon’. I think that none of these terms is appropriate. Assimilation has long been used in animal physiology to designate the appropriation of digested food by the different tissues, and its conversion into the substances of those tissues.." Barnes preferred the word "photosyntax"  but "photosynthesis" came into common usage as the term of choice. 

Definition:

Photosynthesis is a physico-chemical process of converting light energy to chemical energy contained in organic compounds.