• Friction – Motion resistance from

Physics Terms Covering Energy objects rubbing against each

other.
• Electrical energy – Energy that • Gravity – Attraction force between
comes from electrical charge. objects, bodies, and masses in the
• Electromagnetic energy – universe.
Electrical and magnetic wave • Inertia – A body's tendency to
energy reflected and emitted from resist motion.
objects traveling through space. • Impulse – Change in momentum.
• Gravitational energy – Potential • Power – Rate or measurement at
energy of an object in a higher which work is done.
position relative to the ground. • Pressure – Force pushing on an
• Joule – Unit used to measure object.
electrical energy. • Momentum – How mass in motion
• Kinetic energy – Energy in an is measured.
object in motion. • Newton – How force is measured
• Mechanical energy – Energy in an (named after Isaac Newton).
object due to its motion or • Newton’s First Law of Motion –
position. Objects stay at rest or in motion
• Potential energy – Energy stored unless acted upon by a force.
in an object. • Newton’s Second Law of Motion
• Scalar – Measurement of – The mass is proportional to the
magnitude. force it takes to accelerate it.
• Strong nuclear potential energy – • Newton’s Third Law of Motion –
Strong energy of particles within Every action has an equal and
the atom. opposite reaction.
• Thermal energy – Energy that heat • Simple machine – One of six
generates. types of basic devices to perform
• Weak nuclear potential energy – work.
Weak energy of particles within the • Vector – Measurement of medium
atom. and direction of movement of
magnitude.
Physics Terms About Motion • Speed – How fast something is
moving; scalar quantity of
• Acceleration – How change in magnitude of velocity vector.
velocity is measured. • Velocity – Rate and direction of
• Collision – When two objects motion measurement.
collide. • Weight – Measurement of mass of
• Displacement – The change in an an object.
object’s position. • Work – Energy transfer
• Force – The push or pull measurement when an object
measurement of an object. moves.
"Cool" Physics Terms • Supernova – An extremely bright
star because of a catastrophic
• Absolute zero – Theoretical lowest explosion.
temperature.
• Alpha particle – Helium nucleus CHEMISTRY
radioactive substances emit.
• Acoustics – Study of sound waves. Matter and Its Properties
• Amplitude – Wave height from the
center of the wave. • Matter – Anything that has mass
• Big Bang – Theoretical explanation and takes up space (e.g., books,
for the beginning of the universe. food, air).
• Black hole – Region of space that • Physical Properties –
doesn’t allow anything, including Characteristics that describe
light, to escape due to powerful matter as it exists, such as shape,
gravity. color, size, and temperature.
• Cosmic rays – Particle traveling • Phase (or State) – A physical
through space with a highly property describing the form of
energetic atomic nucleus. matter. The three fundamental
• Dark energy – Gravity-countering phases are solid, liquid, and gas.
theoretical repulsive force which • Chemical Properties –
causes the universe to expand Characteristics that describe how
quickly. matter changes form in the
• Entropy – Measurement presence of other matter (e.g.,
describing the randomness of a burning or reacting with water).
system.
• Fundamental forces – Four Changes in Matter
fundamental forces that act
between objects. • Physical Change – A process that
• Galaxy – Planets, stars, and other occurs when a sample of matter
celestial bodies held together by changes one or more of its
one gravitational force. physical properties (like melting
• Nuclear fission – When an atom is ice) without affecting its chemical
split by impact with another composition.
particle or spontaneously. • Chemical Change – The process
• Principle of relativity – Requires of demonstrating a chemical
all physics equations to be in the property, which results in a change
same form. in the matter's chemical
• Quantum – The minimum energy composition (e.g., a burning
needed for any object to be match).
attracted to each other.
• Radioactivity – When an object
emits ionizing radiation.
Classification of Matter • Semi-metals (Metalloids) –
Elements that have properties of
• Substance – Matter that has the both metals and nonmetals.
same physical and chemical
properties throughout. BIOLOGY
• Element – A substance that
A
cannot be broken down into
simpler chemical substances by
ordinary chemical means. There 1. Abdomen – The region of the body
are about 115 known elements. between the thorax and the pelvis.
• Compound – A combination of 2. Abiogenesis – A hypothesis that
more than one element that living things arose from nonliving
behaves as a completely different matter.
substance with its own unique 3. Absorption – A process in which
properties. one substance permeates another.
• Mixture – Physical combinations 4. Acclimatization – Adaptation of
of more than one substance. an organism to a new climate or
o Heterogeneous Mixture – environment.
A mixture composed of two 5. Activation Energy – The energy
or more substances that that an atomic system must
are easy to distinguish (e.g., acquire before a process (like a
salt mixed with steel wool). reaction) can occur.
o Homogeneous Mixture 6. Active Transport – Moving a
(Solution) – A combination substance across a cell
of two or more substances membrane against the
so intimately mixed that concentration gradient, requiring
they behave as a single energy.
substance (e.g., salt 7. Adaptation – A feature or behavior
dissolved in water). that helps an organism survive in
its environment.
8. Algae – Simple green organisms
Classification of Elements
that make food through
photosynthesis.
• Metal – An element that is solid at 9. Allele – Any of the forms of a gene
room temperature (except that can occupy the same locus on
mercury), shiny, and conducts a chromosome.
electricity and heat well. 10. Alternation of Generations – The
• Nonmetal – An element that exists cycle of two or more different
in various phases at room forms in the life of a plant or
temperature, is brittle in solid animal.
form, and does not conduct 11. Amino Acid – The fundamental
electricity or heat well. molecule that serves as the
building block for proteins.
 12. Anabolism – The synthesis of 26. Biodiversity – The variety of living
complex substances from simpler organisms in a particular
ones, storing energy. environment.
13. Antibiotic – A substance used to 27. Biology – The study of living things.
kill microorganisms and cure 28. Biomass – The total mass of living
infections. material in a given unit area.
14. Antigen – Any substance that 29. Biome – A major ecological
stimulates an immune response in community with a distinct climate
the body. and flora.
15. Appendicular Skeleton – Part of 30. Biosynthesis – The production of
the skeleton including the limbs chemical compounds by a living
and girdles. organism.
16. Archaea – One of the three 31. Biotechnology – The use of living
domains of life, consisting of organisms to develop useful
single-celled prokaryotes. products.
17. Asexual Reproduction – 32. Biotic – Relating to the living
Reproduction without the fusion of components of an ecosystem.
gametes. 33. Bivalve – A sea creature with two
18. Atrium – A chamber of the heart connected hinged shells.
connected to other chambers or 34. Bone Marrow – Fatty network of
passageways. connective tissue filling the
19. Axial Skeleton – Part of the cavities of bones.
skeleton including the skull, spinal 35. Botany – The branch of biology
column, sternum, and ribs. that studies plants.

B C

20. Bacteria – Microscopic single- 36. Carnivore – An animal that eats

celled organisms without a other animals.
nucleus. 37. Catabolism – The breakdown of
21. Bilateral Symmetry – The property complex substances into simpler
of being symmetrical about a ones, releasing energy.
vertical plane. 38. Cell – The smallest structural and
22. Bile – A digestive juice secreted by functional unit of life.
the liver. 39. Cell Membrane – The outer layer
23. Bioavailability – How quickly and that controls what enters and
to what extent a drug is absorbed leaves the cell.
by the body. 40. Centriole – Small cylindrical
24. Biochemistry – The scientific organelle near the nucleus, active
study of the chemistry of living in cell division.
cells and organisms. 41. Chloroplast – Organelle in plant
25. Biodegradable – Capable of being cells where photosynthesis
broken down by microorganisms. occurs.
 42. Chromosome – A structure in the 57. Glycogen – The stored form of
nucleus made of DNA and glucose in animals.
proteins.
43. Clone – A group of organisms with H–M
the same genetic constitution
descended from a common 58. Habitat – The natural home or
ancestor. environment of an organism.
44. Consumer – A living thing that eats 59. Herbivore – An animal that eats
other organisms for food. plants only.
45. Cytoplasm – The jelly-like material 60. Homeostasis – Maintaining a
inside a cell excluding the nucleus. stable internal environment.
61. Immunity – The ability of an
D–G organism to resist infection.
62. Infection – Invasion of the body by
46. Decomposer – Organisms that harmful microorganisms.
break down dead plants and 63. Insulin – A hormone that controls
animals (e.g., fungi). blood sugar levels.
47. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – 64. Interdependence – The reliance of
The molecule that carries genetic organisms on one another for
information. survival.
48. Ecosystem – A community of 65. Kingdoms – The major groups into
living things and their physical which living things are classified.
environment. 66. Krebs Cycle – Series of reactions
49. Element – A substance that in mitochondria to produce energy.
cannot be broken down into 67. Metabolism – All the chemical
simpler chemical substances. reactions that occur in a living
50. Evolution – The gradual change in organism.
living things over time. 68. Microtubule – Microscopically
51. Fungi – Organisms like small tubule acting as structural
mushrooms and molds that feed support for a cell.
on dead matter. 69. Mitochondria – The "powerhouse"
52. Gamete – A reproductive cell of the cell where energy is
(sperm or egg). produced.
53. Gene – A section of DNA that 70. Mutation – A change or alteration
controls a specific characteristic. in the DNA sequence.
54. Genetic Engineering – The
process of altering an organism's N–P
DNA.
55. Genetics – The study of heredity 71. Natural Selection – Process
and variation. where best-adapted organisms
56. Genotype – The genetic makeup of survive and reproduce.
an individual organism. 72. Neuron – A nerve cell that
transmits electrical impulses.
73. Niche – The specific role an 90. Placenta – An organ in mammals
organism plays in its ecosystem. that provides nourishment to the
74. Nucleus – The organelle fetus.
containing genetic material; the 91. Plasma – The liquid part of blood.
cell's control center. 92. Pollination – The transfer of pollen
75. Nutrient – A substance required to enable fertilization.
for growth, repair, and energy. 93. Producer – An organism that
76. Organ – A group of tissues working makes its own food (e.g., plants).
together to perform a function. 94. Protein – Large molecules made of
77. Organ System – A group of organs amino acids essential for body
that work together (e.g., digestive functions.
system).
78. Organism – Any individual living R–Z
being.
79. Osmosis – Diffusion of water 95. Respiration – The process of
through a semi-permeable breaking down food to release
membrane. energy.
80. Ovary – Female reproductive 96. Species – A group of similar
organ in animals and plants. organisms that can reproduce with
81. Oxidation – A chemical reaction each other.
involving the loss of electrons or 97. Tissue – A group of similar cells
addition of oxygen. working together for a specific
82. Parasite – An organism that lives purpose.
on or in a host and causes it harm. 98. Transpiration – The process of
83. Pathogen – A microorganism that water movement through a plant
causes disease. and its evaporation from leaves.
84. Pedigree – A family tree showing 99. Zygote – The cell formed by the
the inheritance of traits. union of two gametes.
85. Phenotype – The observable 100. Zoology – The branch of
physical characteristics of an biology that studies animals.
organism.
86. Phloem – Plant tissue that BRANCHES OF SCIENCE
conducts food from leaves to the
rest of the plant. Life Sciences & Medicine
87. Phospholipid – A lipid containing a
phosphate group, a major part of • Anatomy – The study of the
cell membranes. structure and organization of living
88. Photosynthesis – Process by things.
which plants make food using • Angiology – Deals with the study
sunlight. of the blood vascular system.
89. Phylum – A major group in • Biology – The science that studies
biological classification below living organisms.
Kingdom. • Cardiology – The study of the
heart.
 • Cytology – The study of cells. • Horticulture – The study of garden
• Dermatology – The study of the cultivation.
skin. • Meteorology – Study of the
• Gynaecology – The study of atmosphere, weather processes,
female reproductive organs. and forecasting.
• Haematology – The study of • Oceanography – The study of the
blood. Earth’s oceans and their
• Hepatology – The study of the ecosystems.
liver. • Pedology – The study of soils.
• Immunology – Science dealing • Petrology – The geological and
with the resistance of organisms chemical study of rocks.
against infection. • Seismology – The study of
• Microbiology – The study of earthquakes and wave movements
microorganisms like viruses and through the Earth.
bacteria.
• Nephrology – The study of Physical & Applied Sciences
kidneys.
• Neurology – Dealing with the • Aerodynamics – The study of the
nervous system and its disorders. motion of gas on objects and the
• Ophthalmology – The study of forces created.
eyes. • Aeronautics – The science of the
• Osteology – The study of bones. flight of airplanes.
• Pathology – The study of disease- • Astronomy – The study of celestial
causing organisms. objects in the universe.
• Physiology – The study of the • Astrophysics – The study of the
mechanical and biochemical physics of the universe.
functions of living organisms. • Biochemistry – The study of
chemical processes occurring in
Environmental & Earth Sciences organisms.
• Biophysics – Applying physical
• Agronomy – Science dealing with science methods to biological
crop plants. questions.
• Climatology – The study of • Chemistry – The science of matter
climates and their phenomena. and its interactions with energy.
• Ecology – The study of how • Cryogenics – The study of the
organisms interact with each other application and uses of very low
and their environment. temperatures.
• Forestry – The science of • Electronics – Science and
managing forests and natural technology of electronic
resources. phenomena.
• Geology – The study of the Earth, • Nuclear Physics – Physics
its structure, and history. concerned with the nucleus of the
atom.
 • Physics – The study of the • Jurisprudence – The science of
behavior and properties of matter. law.
• Thermodynamics – The physics of • Mathematics – Science dealing
energy, heat, work, and entropy. with logic, quantity, and
arrangement.
Animal & Plant Sciences • Philology – The study of
languages.
• Anthology – The study of flowers. • Psychology – The study of the
• Apiculture – Honey industries mind and behavior.
(Bee Keeping). • Taxonomy – The science of
• Araneology – The study of spiders. classification of animals and
• Batracology – The study of frogs. plants.
• Botany – The scientific study of
plant life.
• Entomology – The study of
insects.
• Mycology – The study of fungi.
• Ornithology – The study of birds.
• Phycology – The study of algae.
• Pisciculture – The study of fish.
• Sericulture – Silk industry (culture
of silk moths).
• Serpentology – The study of
snakes.
• Zoology – The study of animals.

Social & Formal Sciences

• Anthropology – The study of

human cultures, past and present.
• Archaeology – The study of the
material remains of cultures.
• Computer Science – The
systematic study of computing
systems.
• Cryptography – The study of
secret writing.
• Eugenics – Study of improving the
human race by applying laws of
heredity.
• Gerontology – The study of
growing old.