synergy

[ sin-er-jee ]
/ ˈsɪn ər dʒi /

noun, plural syn·er·gies.

the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.
Physiology, Medicine/Medical. the cooperative action of two or more muscles, nerves, or the like.
Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the cooperative action of two or more stimuli or drugs.

Origin of synergy

1650–60; < New Latin synergia < Greek synergía, equivalent to synerg(ós) (see synergism) + -ia -y3

OTHER WORDS FROM synergy

syn·er·gic [si-nur-jik] /sɪˈnɜr dʒɪk/, adjective

Quotations related to synergy

  • "Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts."
    -Ray French, Charlotte Rayner, Gary Rees, Sally Rumbles, et al. Organizational Behaviour (2008)
  • "A designed beauty of synergy is that it serves only to add, never subtract."
    -Barb Rententbach Synergy (2009)

Example sentences from the Web for synergy

British Dictionary definitions for synergy

synergy
/ (ˈsɪnədʒɪ) /

noun plural -gies

Also called: synergism the potential ability of individual organizations or groups to be more successful or productive as a result of a merger
another name for synergism (def. 1)

Derived forms of synergy

synergic (sɪˈnɜːdʒɪk), adjective

Word Origin for synergy

C19: from New Latin synergia, from Greek sunergos; see synergism

Medical definitions for synergy

synergy
[ sĭnər-jē ]

n.

The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.