synergy \SIN-er-jee\,
noun:
1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.
2. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. the cooperative action of two or more muscles, nerves, or the like.
3. Biochemistry, Pharmacology. the cooperative action of two or more stimuli or drugs.
The stock market had been wavering up and down for some time due to the lingering confusion over the effects of the Trade Reform Act. But what kind of evil synergy was this?
-- Tom Clancy, "Debt of Honor," 1994
The synergy of monasticism became a major civilizing force so that, some six centuries later, Cadfael's choice of the Benedictine monastery was a natural one for a weary wandering soldier seeking stability and order in a disordered world.
-- Anne K. Kaler, "Cordially Yours, Brother Cadfael," 1998
Synergy has been around in English since the mid-1600s and comes from the Neo-Latin synergia, which in turn, came from the Greek meaning "working together."
Dictionary.com
