Word,Part of Speech,C2-Level Definition,Science-Based Real Life Example Sentence
vaccine,noun,A biological preparation that provides immunity to a particular
disease,Although vaccines prevent infections effectively, their development
requires rigorous testing.
valence,noun,The capacity of an atom to combine with other atoms,Valence electrons
influence molecular bonding, and thus determine chemical properties.
variance,noun,A measure of how much values in a dataset differ from the
mean,Variance helps scientists understand experimental error and predict outcomes.
velocity,noun,The speed of something in a given direction,Velocity impacts how
projectiles move, yet air resistance can alter their trajectory.
vector,noun,A quantity with both magnitude and direction,Vectors are essential in
physics because they describe forces acting on objects.
viscosity,noun,The resistance of a fluid to flow,Viscosity affects how liquids move
through pipes, and it varies with temperature.
voltage,noun,Electric potential difference between two points,Voltage must be
regulated carefully to avoid damaging sensitive electronics.
vibration,noun,Rapid back-and-forth motion of particles or objects,Vibrations can
cause structural fatigue, so engineers design buildings to withstand them.
vortex,noun,A fluid flow pattern involving a spiral motion,Vortices form in fluids,
and they influence weather patterns such as tornadoes.
vacuum,noun,A space entirely devoid of matter,Vacuums allow scientists to study
phenomena without air resistance or contamination.
vascular,adjective,Relating to the system of vessels that transport fluids in
organisms,Vascular plants rely on xylem and phloem, but non-vascular plants do not.
viral,adjective,Relating to viruses or their properties,Viral replication is rapid,
yet host immune responses can limit infection.
volatilization,noun,The process where a substance changes from liquid or solid to
vapor,Volatilization causes pesticides to evaporate, which reduces their
effectiveness.
vital,adjective,Absolutely necessary or essential,Vital organs like the heart and
brain sustain life and must be protected.
valley,noun,A low area between hills or mountains,Valleys collect water runoff, so
they often have fertile soils for agriculture.
ventilation,noun,The movement of fresh air into an enclosed space,Good ventilation
reduces airborne pathogens, but poor ventilation spreads them.
vibrio,noun,A genus of bacteria that includes pathogens,Some Vibrio species cause
serious infections, especially in coastal waters.
virulence,noun,The degree of pathogenicity of a microorganism,Virulence factors
enable bacteria to invade host cells and cause disease.
vapor,noun,A substance in the gas phase at a temperature where it usually exists as
a liquid or solid,Vapor pressure affects evaporation rates, and thus weather
phenomena.
vasodilation,noun,The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow,Vasodilation
lowers blood pressure, especially during exercise or heat exposure.
vector-borne,adjective,Transmitted by an organism such as a mosquito,Vector-borne
diseases require control of both the pathogen and the vector.
vitality,noun,The state of being strong and active,Vitality depends on nutrition
and exercise, although illness can reduce it.
vortex shedding,noun,The periodic detachment of vortices from a structure in fluid
flow,Vortex shedding can cause oscillations in bridges, so engineers must account
for it.
volcanic,adjective,Relating to volcanoes or their activity,Volcanic eruptions
release gases and ash, which affect climate and air quality.
valence shell,noun,The outermost shell of an atom containing valence
electrons,Valence shells determine how atoms interact chemically and form bonds.
viscous,adjective,Having a thick, sticky consistency,Viscous fluids flow slowly,
yet they can lubricate mechanical parts effectively.
vacuum pump,noun,A device used to remove gas molecules from a sealed volume,Vacuum
pumps create low-pressure environments for scientific experiments.
vascularization,noun,The formation of blood vessels in tissue,Vascularization is
crucial for healing, although it can also support tumor growth.
voltage drop,noun,Reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between two
points,Voltage drops cause energy loss, which can reduce device performance.
vital capacity,noun,The maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs
after a maximum inhalation,Vital capacity is measured to assess lung health, but
smoking reduces it.
vital signs,noun,Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's
essential body functions,Vital signs include temperature and pulse, and they help
diagnose illness.
vasoconstriction,noun,The narrowing of blood vessels that increases blood
pressure,Vasoconstriction occurs in cold environments, but vasodilation happens
when it is warm.
vector space,noun,A mathematical structure formed by vectors that can be added and
scaled,Vector spaces model many physical systems, and linear algebra helps analyze
them.
vapor pressure,noun,The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid
or solid phase,Vapor pressure determines evaporation rates, and it varies with
temperature.
vaccine efficacy,noun,The ability of a vaccine to prevent infection or disease in
vaccinated individuals,Vaccine efficacy depends on the pathogen and host immune
response.
vital organ,noun,An organ necessary for survival,Vital organs like the liver
perform critical functions, so damage to them is life-threatening.
viscous drag,noun,Resistance experienced by an object moving through a viscous
fluid,Viscous drag slows down objects in liquids, but streamlined shapes can reduce
it.
volatilization loss,noun,Loss of chemicals to the atmosphere through
evaporation,Volatilization loss decreases the effectiveness of pesticides applied
to crops.
voltage regulator,noun,A device that maintains a constant voltage level in
electrical circuits,Voltage regulators protect appliances, yet they need
calibration.