1. (music) an electronic instrument (usually played with a keyboard) that generates and modifies sounds electronically and can imitate a variety of other musical instruments
   "The band used a synthesiser to create a wide range of sounds in their music";
   - synthesizer, synth [informal]
    
2. An intellectual who synthesizes or uses synthetic methods
   "The synthesiser combined various theories into a unified framework";
   - synthesist, synthesizer

Derived forms: synthesisers

Type of: electronic instrument, electronic musical instrument, intellect, intellectual, keyboard instrument

Encyclopedia: Synthesiser