Glossaries General Science and Ability

Five Divisions | 22 Parts | 315 Glossary Units

The General Science and Ability Glossaries provide a comprehensive, searchable and examination-oriented reference collection of scientific, technological, mathematical and analytical terminology.

It complements the General Science and Ability Book of Knowledge (BoK) by providing concise definitions, explanations, examples, formulas, units and important conceptual distinctions.

The Glossaries cover:

• Scientific foundations, principles, laws, theories, discoveries and measurements.
• Physics, chemistry, materials science and energy.
• Biology, genetics, human anatomy, health and medical science.
• Food science, nutrition, ecology and environmental science.
• Earth science, geology, meteorology, astronomy and space science.
• Computing, information technology, artificial intelligence and telecommunications.
• Scientific instruments, everyday applications and technological innovations.
• Mathematical, quantitative, statistical, logical and analytical terminology.

 

Division I: Scientific Foundations and Physical Sciences

Part 1: Foundations and Language of Science

1.1 Basic Scientific Terminology and Concepts

1.2 Branches, Disciplines and Fields of Science

1.3 Scientific Method, Research and Experimentation

1.4 Scientific Hypotheses, Theories, Laws and Models

1.5 Scientific Reasoning, Evidence and Critical Thinking

1.6 Scientific Measurement, SI Units and Dimensions

1.7 Physical Constants, Significant Figures and Measurement Errors

1.8 Scientific Discoveries, Scientists and Scientific Contributions

Part 2: Mechanics, Motion and Fluid Mechanics

2.1 Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume and Density

2.2 Motion, Distance, Displacement, Speed and Velocity

2.3 Acceleration, Momentum and Impulse

2.4 Force, Inertia, Friction and Newton’s Laws

2.5 Work, Energy, Power and Mechanical Efficiency

2.6 Gravitation, Gravity and Circular Motion

2.7 Pressure, Buoyancy, Fluid Flow and Viscosity

Part 3: Heat, Thermodynamics and Thermal Science

3.1 Heat, Temperature and Thermal Equilibrium

3.2 Temperature Scales and Thermometers

3.3 Thermal Expansion, Specific Heat and Calorimetry

3.4 Latent Heat, Evaporation, Condensation and Sublimation

3.5 Conduction, Convection and Thermal Radiation

3.6 Gas Laws and Kinetic Theory

3.7 Thermodynamic Laws, Entropy and Enthalpy

3.8 Heat Engines, Refrigerators and Heat Pumps

Part 4: Waves, Sound and Optics

4.1 Waves, Wave Motion and Wave Properties

4.2 Frequency, Wavelength, Amplitude and Wave Velocity

4.3 Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction of Waves

4.4 Sound, Acoustics, Echo and Reverberation

4.5 Ultrasound, Infrasound and Applications of Sound

4.6 Light, Reflection, Refraction and Dispersion

4.7 Mirrors, Lenses and Optical Image Formation

4.8 Electromagnetic Spectrum and Optical Phenomena

4.9 Lasers, Fibre Optics and Optical Instruments

Part 5: Electricity, Magnetism and Electronics

5.1 Electric Charge, Fields and Potential

5.2 Electric Current, Voltage, Resistance and Conductivity

5.3 Ohm’s Law and Electrical Circuits

5.4 Electrical Power, Energy and Consumption

5.5 Series and Parallel Connections

5.6 Magnetism, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnets

5.7 Electromagnetic Induction, Generators and Transformers

5.8 Alternating Current, Direct Current and Electrical Supply

5.9 Semiconductors, Diodes, Transistors and Integrated Circuits

5.10 Batteries, Cells and Electrical Storage

Part 6: Atomic, Nuclear and Modern Physics

6.1 Atoms, Molecules and Subatomic Particles

6.2 Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes

6.3 Atomic Models and Electronic Configuration

6.4 Radioactivity, Radiation and Radioactive Decay

6.5 Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation

6.6 Half-Life, Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion

6.7 Nuclear Reactors, Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Medicine

6.8 Quantum Physics, Relativity and Wave-Particle Duality

6.9 Elementary Particles, Fundamental Forces and the Standard Model

6.10 Dark Matter, Dark Energy and Contemporary Physics

Division II: Chemistry, Materials and Energy Sciences

Part 7: Chemistry and Chemical Principles

7.1 Elements, Compounds, Mixtures and Pure Substances

7.2 Atomic Structure, Molecules and Chemical Formulae

7.3 Periodic Table, Groups, Periods and Periodic Trends

7.4 Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structures

7.5 Chemical Reactions, Equations and Stoichiometry

7.6 Acids, Bases, Salts and pH

7.7 Oxidation, Reduction and Electrochemistry

7.8 Solutions, Solubility and Concentration

7.9 Chemical Equilibrium, Reaction Rates and Catalysts

7.10 Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons and Functional Groups

7.11 Inorganic Chemistry and Important Chemical Compounds

7.12 Water Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biological Molecules

Part 8: Materials Science and Industrial Chemistry

8.1 Metals, Non-Metals and Metalloids

8.2 Alloys, Their Composition and Properties

8.3 Ceramics, Glass and Refractory Materials

8.4 Polymers, Plastics and Synthetic Fibres

8.5 Natural Fibres, Composites and Advanced Materials

8.6 Semiconductors and Electronic Materials

8.7 Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanoparticles

8.8 Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes and Advanced Carbon Materials

8.9 Corrosion, Rusting and Corrosion Prevention

8.10 Fertilizers, Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals

8.11 Soaps, Detergents, Petrochemicals and Household Chemicals

8.12 Green Chemistry and Sustainable Materials

Part 9: Energy Science and Technologies

9.1 Energy, Forms, Sources and Transformations

9.2 Conservation of Energy and Energy Efficiency

9.3 Fossil Fuels, Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas

9.4 Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

9.5 Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Technologies

9.6 Wind Energy, Hydropower and Geothermal Energy

9.7 Biomass, Biogas and Biofuels

9.8 Nuclear Energy and Advanced Nuclear Technologies

9.9 Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Emerging Energy Technologies

9.10 Batteries, Energy Storage and Smart Grids

9.11 Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution

Division III: Biological, Medical, Food and Environmental Sciences

Part 10: Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics

10.1 Biology, Characteristics of Life and Biological Organization

10.2 Cell Theory, Cell Types and Cell Structures

10.3 Cell Organelles and Their Functions

10.4 Cell Membrane and Transport Mechanisms

10.5 Mitosis, Meiosis and Cell Division

10.6 Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins and Lipids

10.7 DNA, RNA, Genes and Chromosomes

10.8 Genetic Inheritance, Alleles and Mendelian Principles

10.9 Mutations, Genetic Variation and Gene Expression

10.10 Genomics, Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA

10.11 CRISPR, Genome Editing and Stem Cells

Part 11: Plant Biology, Animal Biology and Microbiology

11.1 Biological Classification, Taxonomy and Nomenclature

11.2 Kingdoms and Major Groups of Living Organisms

11.3 Plant Anatomy, Roots, Stems, Leaves and Flowers

11.4 Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll and Plant Pigments

11.5 Plant Respiration, Transpiration and Mineral Nutrition

11.6 Pollination, Fertilization, Seeds and Plant Reproduction

11.7 Animal Classification, Invertebrates and Vertebrates

11.8 Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi and Protozoa

11.9 Viruses, Viroids and Other Biological Agents

11.10 Microbial Growth, Reproduction and Applications

11.11 Evolution, Natural Selection and Adaptation

11.12 Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Biological Conservation

Part 12: Human Anatomy and Physiology

12.1 Human Body Organization, Cells, Tissues and Organs

12.2 Skeletal System, Bones and Joints

12.3 Muscular System and Human Movement

12.4 Digestive System, Digestion and Absorption

12.5 Respiratory System, Breathing and Gas Exchange

12.6 Circulatory System, Heart and Blood Vessels

12.7 Blood, Blood Groups and Blood Components

12.8 Lymphatic System and Immune Defence

12.9 Nervous System, Brain, Neurons and Spinal Cord

12.10 Endocrine System, Hormones and Glands

12.11 Urinary System, Kidneys and Excretion

12.12 Reproductive System and Human Development

12.13 Sensory Organs, Vision, Hearing, Taste and Smell

12.14 Skin, Body Temperature and Homeostasis

12.15 Growth, Ageing and Human Development

Part 13: Health Sciences, Diseases and Medical Technology

13.1 Health, Disease, Diagnosis and Prevention

13.2 Pathogens, Infection and Modes of Transmission

13.3 Bacterial, Viral, Fungal and Parasitic Diseases

13.4 Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

13.5 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disorders

13.6 Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

13.7 Cancer, Tumours and Oncology Terminology

13.8 Genetic, Hereditary and Congenital Disorders

13.9 Immunity, Antigens, Antibodies and Autoimmunity

13.10 Vaccines, Immunization and Vaccine Technologies

13.11 Antibiotics, Antimicrobials and Drug Resistance

13.12 Epidemiology, Epidemics, Pandemics and Surveillance

13.13 Public Health, Sanitation and Disease Prevention

13.14 Blood Transfusion, Organ Donation and Transplantation

13.15 Medical Imaging, Diagnostics and Laboratory Tests

13.16 Biotechnology, Precision Medicine and Personalized Healthcare

13.17 First Aid, CPR and Basic Life Support

Part 14: Food Science and Nutrition

14.1 Food Science, Food Composition and Nutrients

14.2 Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats

14.3 Vitamins: Types, Sources and Functions

14.4 Minerals, Trace Elements and Their Functions

14.5 Water, Electrolytes and Hydration

14.6 Balanced Diet, Calorie Requirements and Nutritional Needs

14.7 Malnutrition, Deficiency Diseases and Nutritional Disorders

14.8 Digestion, Absorption and Metabolism of Food

14.9 Food Preservation, Processing and Storage

14.10 Food Spoilage, Foodborne Illness and Contamination

14.11 Food Adulteration, Additives and Preservatives

14.12 Food Safety, Hygiene and Quality Control

14.13 Food Fortification, Biofortification and Functional Foods

14.14 Genetically Modified Foods and Food Biotechnology

14.15 Sustainable Food Systems and Food Security

Part 15: Environmental Science, Ecology and Climate Change

15.1 Environment, Ecology and Ecosystem Terminology

15.2 Biotic and Abiotic Components of Ecosystems

15.3 Food Chains, Food Webs and Ecological Pyramids

15.4 Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Water Cycles

15.5 Habitats, Niches, Populations and Communities

15.6 Biodiversity, Conservation and Extinction

15.7 Natural Resources, Renewable Resources and Sustainability

15.8 Deforestation, Desertification and Land Degradation

15.9 Air, Water and Soil Pollution

15.10 Solid Waste, Recycling and Waste Management

15.11 Atmospheric Chemistry and Ozone Depletion

15.12 Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Climate Change

15.13 Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and Resilience

15.14 Ocean Acidification and Marine Ecosystems

15.15 Environmental Monitoring, Impact Assessment and GIS

15.16 Environmental Health and Sustainable Development

15.17 Environmental Conventions and Scientific Frameworks

15.18 Population Dynamics and Human-Ecosystem Relationships

Division IV: Earth, Space, Technology and Everyday Science

Part 16: Earth Science, Geology and Oceanography

16.1 Earth, Its Origin and Geological Structure

16.2 Earth’s Crust, Mantle, Core and Tectonic Plates

16.3 Minerals, Mineral Properties and Identification

16.4 Rocks, Rock Types and the Rock Cycle

16.5 Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

16.6 Earthquakes, Seismic Waves and Seismology

16.7 Volcanoes, Magma, Lava and Volcanic Activity

16.8 Weathering, Erosion and Soil Formation

16.9 Fossils, Geological Time and Earth’s History

16.10 Hydrological Cycle, Surface Water and Groundwater

16.11 Rivers, Glaciers, Aquifers and Watersheds

16.12 Oceans, Ocean Currents and Marine Systems

16.13 Tides, Waves and Coastal Processes

16.14 Ocean Resources and Marine Science

Part 17: Meteorology, Atmospheric Science and Natural Disasters

17.1 Atmosphere, Atmospheric Layers and Composition

17.2 Solar Radiation and Atmospheric Energy Balance

17.3 Atmospheric Pressure, Temperature and Humidity

17.4 Clouds, Precipitation and Rainfall

17.5 Wind, Air Masses and Atmospheric Circulation

17.6 Weather Systems, Fronts and Storms

17.7 Monsoons and Global Weather Patterns

17.8 Climate, Climate Variability and Climate Classification

17.9 Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons

17.10 Tornadoes, Thunderstorms and Lightning

17.11 Floods, Flash Floods and Riverine Flooding

17.12 Droughts, Heatwaves and Cold Waves

17.13 Tsunamis and Coastal Hazards

17.14 Avalanches, Landslides and Mudflows

17.15 Wildfires and Forest Fires

17.16 Meteorological Instruments and Weather Forecasting

17.17 Climate Models, Satellites and Early Warning Systems

17.18 Natural Hazards, Disaster Risk and Resilience

Part 18: Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science

18.1 Universe, Cosmology and the Big Bang

18.2 Galaxies, Nebulae and Celestial Structures

18.3 Stars, Stellar Evolution and Stellar Remnants

18.4 Supernovae, Neutron Stars and Black Holes

18.5 Dark Matter and Dark Energy

18.6 Solar System and Planetary Formation

18.7 Sun, Solar Activity and Solar Radiation

18.8 Planets, Dwarf Planets and Planetary Moons

18.9 Earth-Moon System, Eclipses and Lunar Phenomena

18.10 Comets, Asteroids, Meteoroids and Meteorites

18.11 Astronomical Units, Light Years and Celestial Distances

18.12 Gravity, Orbits and Celestial Mechanics

18.13 Telescopes and Astronomical Observation

18.14 Space Exploration, Spacecraft and Human Spaceflight

18.15 Satellites, Space Stations and Space Probes

18.16 Exoplanets, Astrobiology and Search for Extraterrestrial Life

18.17 Space Weather, Solar Storms and Contemporary Discoveries

Part 19: Information Technology, Computing and Artificial Intelligence

19.1 Computing, Computers and Digital Technology

19.2 Hardware, Software and Computer Architecture

19.3 Data, Information, Bits, Bytes and Number Systems

19.4 Input, Output and Storage Devices

19.5 Operating Systems and Application Software

19.6 Computer Networks, Internet and Network Protocols

19.7 Databases, Data Models and Database Management

19.8 Programming, Algorithms and Software Development

19.9 Cloud Computing, Virtualization and Distributed Systems

19.10 Cybersecurity, Encryption and Information Security

19.11 Data Science, Big Data and Data Analytics

19.12 Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems

19.13 Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Neural Networks

19.14 Generative AI, Large Language Models and AI Agents

19.15 Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision

19.16 Internet of Things and Smart Devices

19.17 Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

19.18 Robotics, Automation and Autonomous Systems

19.19 Quantum Computing and Quantum Information

19.20 Digital Literacy, Privacy and Responsible Technology

Part 20: Telecommunications, Instruments and Everyday Science

20.1 Telecommunications and Communication Systems

20.2 Radio Waves, Radio Communication and Wireless Transmission

20.3 Mobile Networks: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and Emerging Standards

20.4 Satellite Communication and Navigation

20.5 GPS and Global Navigation Satellite Systems

20.6 Fibre Optics and Optical Communication

20.7 Radio, Television and Broadcasting

20.8 Radar, Sonar and Remote Sensing

20.9 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Short-Range Communication

20.10 Microscopes, Telescopes and Spectrometers

20.11 Cameras, Imaging and Digital Photography

20.12 Medical and Diagnostic Instruments

20.13 Household Appliances and Their Scientific Principles

20.14 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems

20.15 Batteries, Chargers and Household Electrical Systems

20.16 Scientific Principles in Transportation and Vehicles

20.17 Sensors, Lasers and Electronic Devices

20.18 Agricultural and Industrial Applications of Science

20.19 Everyday Scientific Phenomena and Practical Applications

20.20 Inventions, Innovations and Emerging Technologies

Division V: General Ability

Part 21: Quantitative, Mathematical and Statistical Glossary

21.1 Number Systems, Integers and Fundamental Arithmetic

21.2 Prime Numbers, Factors, Multiples, HCF and LCM

21.3 Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

21.4 Ratios, Proportions and Variations

21.5 Averages, Weighted Averages and Mean

21.6 Profit, Loss, Discount and Markup

21.7 Simple Interest and Compound Interest

21.8 Time, Speed, Distance and Relative Motion

21.9 Work, Time, Efficiency and Combined Work

21.10 Age Problems, Mixtures and Alligation

21.11 Algebraic Expressions, Variables and Equations

21.12 Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations and Inequalities

21.13 Exponents, Powers, Roots and Logarithms

21.14 Sequences, Series and Number Patterns

21.15 Sets, Relations, Functions and Venn Diagrams

21.16 Geometry, Lines, Angles and Polygons

21.17 Triangles, Quadrilaterals and Circles

21.18 Mensuration, Perimeter, Area and Volume

21.19 Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry

21.20 Tables, Charts, Graphs and Data Interpretation

21.21 Mean, Median, Mode and Measures of Central Tendency

21.22 Range, Variance, Standard Deviation and Dispersion

21.23 Probability, Events and Basic Statistical Inference

21.24 Population, Sample, Sampling Frame and Sampling Methods

21.25 Random Sampling, Sampling Bias and Sampling Errors

21.26 Quantitative Reasoning and Applied Mathematical Concepts

21.27 Permutations, Combinations and Counting Principles

Part 22: Logical, Analytical and Mental Ability Glossary

22.1 Logic, Reasoning and Logical Arguments

22.2 Deductive, Inductive and Abductive Reasoning

22.3 Analogies, Classification and Categorization

22.4 Number Series, Letter Series and Pattern Recognition

22.5 Coding, Decoding and Symbolic Reasoning

22.6 Direction Sense and Spatial Orientation

22.7 Blood Relations and Family Relationships

22.8 Ranking, Ordering and Sequencing

22.9 Syllogisms, Premises and Conclusions

22.10 Statements, Assumptions and Inferences

22.11 Cause, Effect and Correlation

22.12 Critical Thinking and Argument Evaluation

22.13 Analytical Reasoning and Problem-Solving

22.14 Logical Puzzles and Arrangement Problems

22.15 Venn Diagrams and Set-Based Reasoning

22.16 Data Sufficiency and Decision-Making

22.17 Non-Verbal and Visual Reasoning

22.18 Spatial Visualization and Mental Rotation

22.19 Verbal and Numerical Reasoning

22.20 Mechanical Reasoning and Practical Intelligence

22.21 Social Judgment and Situational Reasoning

22.22 Cognitive Ability, Aptitude and Mental Skills

22.23 Integrated Reasoning and Examination Techniques

22.24 Propositional Logic, Truth Tables and Formal Logical Structures