photosynthesis

noun3

1. •
   Any process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy.
2. •
   Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
3. •
   Also, nonoxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.