synthetic

Everyday

1. Synthetic means made by people from chemicals or in a factory, not naturally grown or found: synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and plastic. tree →
2. Synthetic also means fake or artificial: synthetic flavours, synthetic diamonds. tree →
3. (noun) Synthetics are synthetic materials or fabrics. tree →
4. (formal, science) Synthetic can mean made by combining parts into a whole (synthesis). tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons materials are sorted into natural (wool, cotton, wood) and synthetic (nylon, polyester, acrylic, plastics); pupils compare their properties, such as strength and waterproofing, and discuss pollution from microplastics. On food labels, synthetic colourings may be listed. Phrases: "synthetic fibre", "synthetic rubber", "synthetic grass", "synthetic drug".

Examples

• Nylon is a synthetic fibre. tree →
• My raincoat is made of a synthetic material that keeps water out. tree →
• Wool is natural, but polyester is synthetic. tree →
• The pitch has synthetic grass, so it never needs mowing. tree →
• Synthetic rubber is made from oil. tree →
• Synthetic diamonds are made in labs. tree →
• Washing synthetics can release tiny plastic bits into the sea. tree →

Note

Opposite: natural. Related: synthesis, synthesise. Synthetic does not always mean worse; many synthetic materials are very useful, such as medicines and safety gear.