Science & Nature Vocabulary

Vocabulary words related to science & nature that appear on standardized tests including GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.

296 words · Page 1 of 5

accretion GRE

A gradual and natural increase in size or amount, such as in the formation of rocks or the growth of...

acoustics GRE

The branch of physics dealing with the production, transmission, and perception of sound, especially...

air TOEFL IELTS

The invisible gaseous substance that surrounds the Earth

alligator GRE

A large reptile with a long snout and powerful jaws, native to fresh water environments in the south...

amphibian GRE

amphibian refers to an animal that lives in both water and on land, such as frogs and toads.

ancestry GRE TOEFL

ancestry refers to a person's family history and their descent from an ancestor.

anecdotal TOEFL

anecdotal is concerned with or based on narratives (or anecdotes) about a particular matter; often b...

antenna GRE

A long thin structure that receives or transmits electromagnetic waves, often used in electronics or...

anthropologist GRE

A person who studies human culture, behavior, and evolution, often using cross-cultural and interdis...

anthropology SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

The systematic study of human culture, behavior, and evolution, often examining and comparing cultur...

approximate GRE TOEFL

Almost, but not quite the same as something else; or to estimate or calculate something without exac...

aquarium TOEFL IELTS

A container for keeping aquatic animals, such as fish, in captivity.

aquatic GRE TOEFL

Relating to or living in water; or adapted for living in water.

arboretum SAT GRE

A collection of trees or shrubs, often in a garden or park, for display or study purposes.

archipelago SAT GRE TOEFL

A group of islands, especially a chain of volcanic islands, often in tropical or subtropical waters.

aseptic GRE

Free from bacteria or other microorganisms, often in a medical or scientific context.

astronomy TOEFL IELTS

The scientific study of the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.

atavism GRE

A reappearance or resurgence of a trait or characteristic that was previously lost or recessive in a...

atom TOEFL IELTS

The smallest unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus and electrons.

aviary SAT GRE

A collection of birds, especially a group kept in captivity, such as a museum or a breeder's facilit...

badger SAT GRE

A carnivorous mammal with a stocky body and distinctive black-and-white facial markings; also means ...

bean TOEFL IELTS

A small, hard seed from certain plants, used as food, or a coffee bean.

bear TOEFL IELTS

A large mammal with thick fur, or to carry or endure something.

beaver GRE TOEFL

A large aquatic rodent with a flat, scaly tail; a person who works diligently.

biography TOEFL

A detailed description of someone's life written by someone else.

biologist TOEFL IELTS

A scientist who studies living organisms and life processes.

botany SAT GRE

The scientific study of plants, including their structure, growth, and classification.

bug GRE IELTS

An insect; also a hidden listening device or a software glitch.

butterfly TOEFL IELTS

A flying insect with large, often colorful wings that undergoes metamorphosis from a caterpillar.

calcium GRE

A chemical element essential for strong bones and teeth; a dietary mineral commonly found in dairy p...

calibration TOEFL

the process of checking or adjusting the accuracy of a measuring instrument.

cannibal GRE

A person or animal that eats members of its own species.

cannibalism GRE TOEFL

The practice of eating human flesh by another human, or animals eating others of their own species.

capillary SAT GRE TOEFL

A tiny blood vessel that connects arterioles to venules, or any narrow tube where liquid moves by ca...

carbohydrate TOEFL

An organic compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a major source of energy ...

catastrophe SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A sudden, widespread disaster or a tragic event causing great damage or suffering.

cell TOEFL IELTS

The smallest structural and functional unit of living organisms; a small room, such as in a prison.

chameleon SAT GRE

A type of lizard known for its ability to change color and for its long, sticky tongue used to catch...

chirp GRE

A short, sharp high-pitched sound, such as that made by a bird or insect.

chromosome GRE

A thread-like structure in the nucleus of a cell that carries genetic information in the form of DNA...

cite SAT GRE TOEFL

To quote or refer to a source of information; to mention as evidence.

classification TOEFL IELTS

The act or system of categorizing things according to shared characteristics.

cleavage GRE

The splitting or division of cells; also, the quality of being split or the degree of separation, es...

comet TOEFL IELTS

A celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust that, when near the sun, develops a tail ...

comparative SAT TOEFL IELTS

Measured or judged by comparing; relative.

compound GRE TOEFL

A substance formed by the combination of chemical elements; or to make something worse by adding to ...

conception GRE TOEFL IELTS

The formation or beginning of an idea or plan; also refers to the moment of fertilization in biology...

conclusive SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Serving to demonstrate the truth of a claim beyond doubt; decisive.

condor TOEFL

A large, heavy vulture native to the mountains of western North and South America.

conservation TOEFL

The act of preserving and protecting natural resources, wildlife, or the environment.

conservationist TOEFL

A person who advocates for or practices the protection and preservation of the environment and natur...

contagious SAT GRE TOEFL

Capable of being spread from one person or organism to another, typically through physical contact o...

controvert GRE

To dispute or argue against a claim or idea.

conventionally TOEFL

In a way that follows accepted customs or practices.

convex SAT GRE TOEFL

Curving outward like the surface of a sphere or a ball; bulging out.

crab TOEFL IELTS

A marine crustacean with a broad, flattened shell and five pairs of legs, the front pair typically b...

crossbreeding TOEFL

The process of breeding two different species or varieties to produce hybrids.

crustacean SAT GRE TOEFL

A type of hard-shelled aquatic animal, such as a crab or lobster.

crystal TOEFL IELTS

A clear, typically sparkling mineral with a structured atomic arrangement, or a glass-like substance...

cure IELTS

A treatment or remedy that ends a disease or medical condition; can also mean to make something well...

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