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Definition

noun, plural: dehydration syntheses

A chemical reaction that builds up molecules by losing water molecules.

Supplement

It is a type of condensation reaction in which monomers join together into polymers while losing water molecules. This process is carried out by losing (-OH) from one of the monomers and (H) from another monomer. The two unstable monomers join together, and the (-OH) and (H) combine forming water (H₂O).

For example, A-OH + B-H → AB + HOH

Word origin: dehydrate: to lose or remove water + Latin, synthesis: composition
Compare: hydrolysis.
See also: condensation, monomer, polymer, water, chemical bond.