Science vocabulary list with definitions

Science vocabulary list with definitions

Science: The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.

List of Science Vocabulary

Science vocabulary definitions and example

Atom

• Definition: The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
• Example: Everything around us is made up of atoms, which are too small to see with the naked eye.

Biology

• Definition: The scientific study of life and living organisms.
• Example: Biology classes often include the study of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Chemistry

• Definition: The science that deals with the properties, composition, and behavior of substances.
• Example: In chemistry, students learn about chemical reactions and the periodic table of elements.

DNA

• Definition: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.
• Example: DNA testing can reveal a person’s ancestry and biological relationships.

Ecosystem

• Definition: A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.
• Example: The rainforest is a complex ecosystem with a high level of biodiversity.

Evolution

• Definition: The process by which different kinds of living organisms develop and diversify from earlier forms.
• Example: Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution explains how species adapt to their environments over time.

Fossil

• Definition: The preserved remains or impression of a prehistoric organism.
• Example: Paleontologists study fossils to learn about ancient life forms.

Gene

• Definition: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic.
• Example: Genes play a crucial role in determining an individual’s traits and behaviors.

Gravity

• Definition: The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth or any other physical body having mass.
• Example: Gravity is what keeps us grounded on the earth’s surface.

Hypothesis

• Definition: A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, made as a starting point for further investigation.
• Example: The scientist formulated a hypothesis to explain the strange results of the experiment.

Ion

• Definition: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
• Example: Ions are crucial in various chemical reactions and processes in the body.

Kinetic Energy

• Definition: The energy that a body possesses due to its motion.
• Example: A moving car has kinetic energy that can be calculated based on its mass and velocity.

Molecule

• Definition: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound.
• Example: Water is composed of molecules, each consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Neutron

• Definition: A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge.
• Example: Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom, along with protons.

Organism

• Definition: An individual living thing that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain homeostasis.
• Example: A single bacterium is an organism capable of independent life.

Photosynthesis

• Definition: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
• Example: Photosynthesis is essential for the production of oxygen and the sustenance of the food chain.

Quantum

• Definition: The minimum amount of any physical entity involved in an interaction in quantum mechanics.
• Example: Quantum physics studies the behavior of particles at the smallest scales.

Radiation

• Definition: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
• Example: Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause skin burns and other health issues.

Species

• Definition: A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.
• Example: The African elephant is a species known for its large size and intelligence.

Theory

• Definition: A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence.
• Example: The theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

Velocity

• Definition: The speed of something in a given direction.
• Example: The velocity of the car was measured at 60 kilometers per hour northbound.

Wavelength

• Definition: The distance between successive crests of a wave, especially in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave.
• Example: The wavelength of visible light determines its color.

Astrology

• Definition: The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.
• Example: Astrology often involves creating horoscopes based on the positions of stars and planets.

Bacteria

• Definition: Microscopic, single-celled organisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic.
• Example: Bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and can also cause diseases.

Chlorophyll

• Definition: A green pigment found in plants and algae, essential for photosynthesis.
• Example: Chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Clone

• Definition: An organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor to which they are genetically identical.
• Example: Scientists successfully cloned a sheep named Dolly in 1996.

Crane

• Definition: A machine for lifting and moving heavy objects, or a tall wading bird.
• Example: The construction crane lifted the steel beams to the top of the building.

Forceps

• Definition: A pair of pincers or tweezers used in surgery or in a laboratory.
• Example: The surgeon used forceps to remove the foreign object from the patient’s body.

Friction

• Definition: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
• Example: Friction between the tires and the road allows cars to stop when brakes are applied.

Laboratory

• Definition: A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.
• Example: The students conducted their chemistry experiments in the laboratory.

Periscope

• Definition: An optical instrument for viewing objects that are above the level of direct sight.
• Example: Submarines use periscopes to observe the surface of the water while remaining submerged.

Ray

• Definition: A line or beam of light, heat, or other energy.
• Example: The sun’s rays provide warmth and energy for life on Earth.

Repulsion

• Definition: The force by which bodies repel one another, as in magnetic or electric fields.
• Example: The repulsion between the like poles of magnets pushed them apart.

Research

• Definition: The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Example: The scientist spent years conducting research on the effects of climate change.

Robot

• Definition: A machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.
• Example: Robots are increasingly used in manufacturing to improve efficiency and precision.

Satellite

• Definition: An artificial body placed in orbit around the earth or another planet to collect information or for communication.
• Example: The weather satellite provided images of the approaching storm.

Submarine

• Definition: A watercraft capable of underwater operation.
• Example: The submarine explored the depths of the ocean, reaching areas previously unseen by humans.

Supersonic

• Definition: Faster than the speed of sound.
• Example: Supersonic jets can travel at speeds greater than 750 miles per hour.

Technology

• Definition: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
• Example: Advances in technology have led to the development of smartphones and other digital devices.

Thesis

• Definition: A statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved, or a long essay or dissertation involving personal research.
• Example: She spent two years researching and writing her thesis on renewable energy sources.