semi-synthetic
Part natural, part-made
Semi-synthetic describes something partly natural and partly artificial—typically a substance derived from natural materials but chemically modified.
Semi-synthetic drugs like heroin begin with plant compounds (morphine from opium poppies) before laboratory processing.
Semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon start with natural cellulose.
The term distinguishes these from fully synthetic products made entirely from artificial components.
Large repeated-unit molecule
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- resinViscous plant secretion
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- lubricantFriction-reducing substance
textile · nylon · rayon · fabric · composite · elastomer · plastic · bioplastic
Morphine-class analgesic
- antibioticBacteria-killing medication
- insulinPancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- hormoneBody's chemical messenger
- drugActive chemical compound
derivative · compound · heroin · hydrocodone · oxycodone · taxol · steroid · penicillin
Function's rate of change
- modificationAct of altering something
- precursorSomething that comes first
- feedstockUnprocessed manufacturing input
- natural productCompound from living sources
chemical · reaction · conversion · transformation · intermediate · biosynthesis · fermentation · extraction
polymer
Large repeated-unit molecule
lubricant · textile · nylon · rayon · fabric · composite · elastomer · plastic · bioplastic · material
opioid
Morphine-class analgesic
- antibioticBacteria-killing medication
- insulinPancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- hormoneBody's chemical messenger
drug · derivative · compound · heroin · hydrocodone · oxycodone · taxol · steroid · penicillin · medication
derivative
Function's rate of change
- modificationAct of altering something
- precursorSomething that comes first
- feedstockUnprocessed manufacturing input
natural product · chemical · reaction · conversion · transformation · intermediate · biosynthesis · fermentation · extraction · purification
diamond
Crystallized carbon gemstone
corundum · lab-grown · treated · enhanced · simulant · cultured · flux · hydrothermal · crystal · inclusion