IELTS Vocabulary List: Science

1. Quantum Mechanics

Explanation: A fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.

Example: Quantum mechanics explains the behaviors of electrons in atoms, which classical physics cannot.

2. Photosynthesis

Explanation: 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 in our atmosphere.

3. Genome

Explanation: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Example: Scientists are mapping the human genome to better understand genetic diseases.

4. Mitosis

Explanation: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Example: Mitosis is crucial for growth and tissue repair.

5. Ecosystem

Explanation: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Example: The Amazon rainforest is an incredibly diverse ecosystem.

6. Evolution

Explanation: The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Example: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution changed how we understand life's diversity.

7. Neuron

Explanation: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.

Example: Neurons communicate with each other to process information in the brain.

8. Entropy

Explanation: A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system.

Example: According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of an isolated system always increases over time.

9. Genomics

Explanation: The branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.

Example: Genomics has significant implications for personalized medicine.

10. Biodiversity

Explanation: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Example: Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

11. Plate Tectonics

Explanation: A scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of seven large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of Earth's lithosphere.

Example: Plate tectonics explains the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

12. Hypothesis

Explanation: A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Example: The scientist formulated a hypothesis about the effects of climate change on polar bear populations.

13. Chlorophyll

Explanation: A green pigment, present in all green plants and in cyanobacteria, responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis.

Example: Chlorophyll gives plants their green color and helps them capture light energy.

14. Gravity

Explanation: The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.

Example: Gravity keeps the planets in orbit around the sun.

15. Relativity

Explanation: A theory by Albert Einstein which describes the laws of physics in the context of moving observers; includes both special relativity and general relativity.

Example: Relativity has transformed our understanding of space and time.

16. Acid Rain

Explanation: Rainfall made sufficiently acidic by atmospheric pollution that it causes environmental harm, typically to forests and lakes.

Example: Industrial emissions are a primary cause of acid rain.

17. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Explanation: The molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living things.

Example: DNA analysis is used in forensic science to identify individuals.

18. Kinetic Energy

Explanation: The energy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.

Example: A rolling ball has kinetic energy.

19. Atom

Explanation: The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Example: Hydrogen is the simplest atom, with one proton and one electron.

20. Mutation

Explanation: A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in the structure and function of proteins.

Example: Mutations can result in genetic disorders or contribute to the diversity of life.

21. Catalyst

Explanation: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

Example: Enzymes in our bodies act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions.

22. Hubble Space Telescope

Explanation: A space telescope launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and still in operation.

Example: The Hubble Space Telescope has captured some of the most detailed images of distant galaxies.

23. Carbon Footprint

Explanation: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Example: Reducing your carbon footprint can help combat climate change.

24. Quantum Entanglement

Explanation: A physical phenomenon that occurs when pairs or groups of particles interact in ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently of the other.

Example: Quantum entanglement is a key principle behind quantum computing.

25. Osmosis

Explanation: The process by which molecules of a solvent pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one.

Example: Osmosis is crucial for maintaining cell homeostasis.

26. Exoplanet

Explanation: A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.

Example: The discovery of exoplanets has expanded our understanding of potential habitable worlds.

27. Fossil Fuel

Explanation: A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

Example: The burning of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and global warming.

28. Nanotechnology

Explanation: The manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale.

Example: Nanotechnology is used in medicine to develop new drug delivery systems.

29. Renewable Energy

Explanation: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

Example: Investing in renewable energy sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

30. Antibody

Explanation: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen. Antibodies are used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.

Example: Vaccines help the body produce antibodies against specific diseases.

31. Polymer

Explanation: A substance composed of large molecules made up of many repeating subunits.

Example: Plastics are synthetic polymers used in a variety of applications.

32. Supernova

Explanation: A stellar explosion that suddenly increases the brightness of a star, often resulting in the star's destruction.

Example: The Crab Nebula is the remnants of a supernova observed in 1054 AD.

33. Greenhouse Effect

Explanation: The trapping of the sun's warmth in the planet's lower atmosphere due to the presence of greenhouse gases.

Example: The greenhouse effect is crucial for maintaining Earth's temperature but is exacerbated by human activities.

34. CRISPR

Explanation: A technology that can be used to edit genes and, as such, will likely change the world.

Example: CRISPR technology is being explored for its potential to treat genetic disorders.

35. Dark Matter

Explanation: A type of matter hypothesized to account for a large part of the total mass in the universe, which does not emit light or energy.

Example: Dark matter cannot be seen directly, but its presence is inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter.

36. Biodegradable

Explanation: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Example: Biodegradable plastics break down more quickly than traditional plastics, reducing environmental impact.

37. Artificial Intelligence

Explanation: The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.

Example: Artificial intelligence is transforming industries including healthcare, finance, and transportation.

38. Epigenetics

Explanation: The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Example: Epigenetics explores how environmental factors can influence gene activity.

39. Climate Change

Explanation: A change in global or regional climate patterns, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

Example: Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

40. Cybersecurity

Explanation: The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.

Example: Implementing strong cybersecurity measures is essential to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

41. Electromagnetic Spectrum

Explanation: The range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.

Example: The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

42. Biotechnology

Explanation: The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Example: Biotechnology has led to the development of insulin for diabetes treatment.

43. Plasmid

Explanation: A small DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.

Example: Plasmids are used in genetic engineering to clone genes.

44. Tectonic Plate

Explanation: Massive, irregularly shaped slabs of solid rock that make up Earth's lithosphere.

Example: The movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

45. Biome

Explanation: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat.

Example: The tundra biome is characterized by cold temperatures and low biodiversity.

46. Neural Network

Explanation: A computer system modeled on the human brain and nervous system, used in AI and machine learning.

Example: Neural networks are used in deep learning to perform tasks like image and speech recognition.

47. Hydrology

Explanation: The scientific study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth.

Example: Hydrology helps us understand the water cycle and manage water resources.

48. Isotope

Explanation: Variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron number.

Example: Carbon-14 is an isotope used in radiocarbon dating.

49. Renewable Resource

Explanation: A natural resource that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time.

Example: Solar energy is a renewable resource that can be harnessed for power.

50. Microbiome

Explanation: The community of microorganisms that live in a particular environment, such as the human gut.

Example: The human microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health.