Nucleo-synthesis is the process of creating atomic nuclei heavier than hydrogen.
Nucleo = Nuclei
Synthesis = joining, merging.
In the early days of the Universe, there were only protons, neutrons, and electrons. Nucleo-synthesis is required to make the heavier elements.
Soon after the Big Bang, the so-called "Big Bang Nucleo-synthesis" took place which created helium and traces of lithium and beryllium.