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What is the meaning of the term synthetic?

  1. Natural

  2. Artificial

  3. Biological

  4. Organic

The correct answer is: Artificial

The term "synthetic" refers to something that is artificially made rather than occurring naturally. In chemistry and materials science, synthetic substances are typically created through chemical processes that combine various elements or compounds, often to achieve properties that are desirable, such as durability or resistance to certain conditions. This contrasts with natural substances, which are derived from the environment without human intervention. In this context, the other terms relate to concepts that are either naturally occurring or derived from living organisms. "Natural" indicates substances that exist in nature; "biological" refers specifically to living organisms or life processes; "organic" typically denotes compounds that contain carbon and are associated with living matter. Therefore, the definition that aligns most closely with "synthetic" is artificial, as it emphasizes the man-made aspect of synthetic materials.