Science & Nature Vocabulary

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

296 words · Page 2 of 5

cuticle GRE TOEFL

The layer of skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail, or the outer protective layer of a plant o...

decimate SAT GRE

To destroy or kill a large portion of a population; originally meant to kill one in every ten.

definition GRE TOEFL IELTS

A statement of the exact meaning of a word or term; the degree of clarity in form or detail.

deplete SAT GRE TOEFL

To reduce the amount or number of something significantly, often by using it up.

despoiler TOEFL

A person or thing that spoils, plunders, or lays waste to something.

detectable TOEFL

Capable of being detected or noticed.

detection GRE

The act of discovering or identifying the presence of something, often something hidden or not obvio...

dinosaur TOEFL

A prehistoric reptile, often very large; informally, something outdated or obsolete.

dioxide TOEFL

A compound containing two oxygen atoms bonded to another element, such as carbon dioxide.

disable IELTS

To make something inoperative or to prevent someone from performing a function, often due to injury ...

disinfectant SAT GRE

A chemical liquid used to destroy bacteria and viruses on surfaces or objects.

dissection SAT GRE

The act of cutting apart or analyzing something in detail, often used in biology or textual analysis...

dissimilar SAT TOEFL IELTS

Not similar; differing in nature, quality, or form.

divest SAT GRE

To remove clothing or property from someone; to sell off assets or disengage from involvement, espec...

dolphin TOEFL

A highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playfulness and acrobatics. Belongs to the cetacean...

dragonfly TOEFL

A small flying insect with a long body and colorful wings, often found near water.

dripstone TOEFL

A mineral deposit formed by dripping water, such as stalactites or stalagmites in caves.

drown TOEFL IELTS

To die from lack of oxygen due to submersion in water; to overwhelm or suppress.

ecological TOEFL

Relating to the science of the relationships between organisms and their environment.

ecology TOEFL

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physica...

ecosystem GRE TOEFL

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

edentate TOEFL

A mammal belonging to a group that lacks teeth or has reduced teeth, such as sloths or armadillos.

educated TOEFL

Having received formal instruction or training; knowledgeable.

efficacy SAT

The ability to produce a desired or intended result; effectiveness.

electron TOEFL IELTS

A subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, found in all atoms.

element SAT TOEFL IELTS

A fundamental or essential part of something; in chemistry, a substance made of only one type of ato...

embryological TOEFL

Relating to the branch of biology that studies the development of embryos.

empirical GRE

Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

endanger SAT TOEFL IELTS

To put someone or something at risk of harm or loss.

entomology SAT GRE

The scientific study of insects.

enzyme GRE TOEFL

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

escape TOEFL IELTS

To break free from confinement or avoid danger, harm, or difficulty.

evolution SAT TOEFL IELTS

The gradual development or change in species over time; a process of growth or transformation.

exonerate SAT GRE

To clear someone from blame or guilt, especially after an investigation.

expertise GRE TOEFL IELTS

Advanced knowledge or skill in a specific field.

explore GRE TOEFL IELTS

To investigate or travel through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.

extinct SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

No longer in existence, especially of a species that has died out.

extinction GRE TOEFL IELTS

The state or process of a species, family, or larger group ceasing to exist.

fauna GRE TOEFL

The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

ferment GRE TOEFL

A chemical change in organic substances caused by living organisms such as bacteria or yeast; also, ...

fermentation GRE TOEFL

The natural process of breaking down sugars by bacteria or yeast to produce alcohol, acids, or gases...

ferret GRE

A small, weasel-like mammal with a long body, often kept as a pet or used historically for hunting r...

flagella TOEFL

A slender, whip-like structure used for movement by certain bacteria and protozoa.

flea TOEFL

A small, wingless insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds and can jump long distances.

flora SAT GRE TOEFL

The plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.

foremost TOEFL IELTS

The most prominent, important, or leading in position or significance.

forensic GRE TOEFL

Relating to the application of scientific methods and techniques to legal investigations.

fossil TOEFL IELTS

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms found in rock.

fungus SAT TOEFL

A type of organism that includes molds, yeasts, and mushrooms; lacks chlorophyll and feeds on organi...

gaseous SAT TOEFL

Existing in a state of gas rather than solid or liquid; characterized by lightness or insubstantiali...

gemstone TOEFL

A naturally occurring mineral crystal that is cut and polished for use in jewelry.

genetic GRE TOEFL IELTS

Relating to genes or heredity; passed down from parents to offspring.

genetically TOEFL

In terms of genes or heredity; by means of genetic characteristics.

genetics GRE TOEFL

The scientific study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.

genius IELTS

Exceptional intellectual or creative ability; a highly intelligent person.

geology SAT

The scientific study of the Earth's structure, origin, and history.

gland TOEFL

A cell or organ in the body that produces and releases substances like hormones or sweat.

gnat GRE

A small flying insect that resembles a tiny mosquito.

goat TOEFL IELTS

A hoofed mammal often kept for its milk, meat, or wool.

graphite TOEFL

A soft, black form of carbon used in pencils and as a lubricant.

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