(of a substance) made by synthesis from a naturally occurring material.
〔化〕（物质）半合成的
a wide range of semi-synthetic penicillins
Example sentencesExamples
Diamorphine is a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine with similar pharmacological properties but with greater potency.
This is a semi-synthetic substance used as a thickening substance and to encourage lather.
Pyrethroids for example may be quite soft on mammals and birds but this particular group of semi-synthetic pesticides is extremely toxic to insects, fish and amphibians.
Added to promote lathering, this semi-synthetic agent is also irritating to skin and responsible for allergic reactions.
The Germans have begun work on semi-synthetic analogs to certain ferulic-acid skeletal-remnant panaxosides, in a mutual agreement with an unnamed Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer.