Sünteesima

Sünteesima is Estonian verb meaning “to synthesize.” It refers to the process of forming a new, coordinated whole by combining separate parts or substances. The term is derived from süntees, meaning synthesis, which in turn traces back to the Greek word sunthesis (together + placing) and has entered Estonian through other European languages. The infinitive form is sünteesima, and it belongs to the regular class of Estonian -ima verbs.

In chemistry, sünteesima describes the deliberate production of chemical compounds by joining simpler substances through chemical reactions. In biology and biochemistry, it is used for biosynthetic processes where organisms assemble complex molecules from smaller building blocks, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or lipids, often requiring energy input. In pharmacology and industry, sünteesima refers to the laboratory or industrial synthesis of active compounds, including drugs and intermediates.

Beyond the natural sciences, sünteesima can be used metaphorically to describe the integration of information or ideas from multiple sources to form a coherent conclusion or new concept, as in synthesizing a literature review or a theory.

Grammatical notes: sünteesima is the infinitive and follows standard Estonian conjugation patterns for -ima verbs. Related noun forms include süntees (synthesis) and sünteesimine (the act of synthesizing). The term also relates to adjectives and compounds such as sünteetiline (synthetic), which describes materials produced by synthesis.