Top 100 Science Definitions

"Understanding the building blocks of scientific knowledge, one definition at a time."

Science is built on a foundation of terminology that defines its concepts, principles, and phenomena. Whether you're a student, a curious learner, or a professional, having a clear understanding of key science definitions can deepen your comprehension. This list covers fundamental terms across various branches of science, from physics to biology, chemistry to astronomy.

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# Top 100 Science Definitions
- Comprehensive Definitions
- Building Scientific Knowledge
- Key Concepts in Science
- Essential Scientific Terms
- Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy

## Topics
- Physics: Energy, Force, Gravity, Motion, Quantum Mechanics
- Biology: Evolution, DNA, Cells, Ecosystem, Metabolism
- Chemistry: Atom, Molecule, Chemical Reaction, Acid, Base
- Astronomy: Star, Planet, Galaxy, Black Hole, Supernova
- Earth Science: Plate Tectonics, Volcano, Earthquake, Weather, Erosion

Topic 1: "Physics Definitions"

"Exploring the fundamental principles that govern the physical world."

Physics, the study of matter, energy, and the forces that shape the universe, is a cornerstone of scientific understanding. Here are some of the most important definitions in physics.

1. Energy: The ability to do work or cause change.
2. Force: A push or pull on an object that causes it to accelerate.
3. Gravity: The force that attracts a body towards the center of the Earth or any other physical body with mass.
4. Motion: The change in position of an object over time.
5. Velocity: The speed of something in a given direction.
6. Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity of an object.
7. Friction: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
8. Momentum: The quantity of motion an object has, dependent on mass and velocity.
9. Inertia: The tendency of an object to resist a change in its motion.
10. Quantum Mechanics: The branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.
11. Relativity: The theory that explains how time and space are linked for objects moving at constant speed in a straight line.
12. Work: A measure of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved by a force.
13. Thermodynamics: The branch of physics that deals with heat, work, and forms of energy.
14. Wave: A disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without the transport of matter.
15. Electromagnetism: The interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.
16. Electricity: The flow of electric charge, typically measured in amperes.
17. Magnetism: A physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, which results in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.
18. Optics: The study of light and its interaction with matter.
19. Kinetic Energy: The energy an object possesses due to its motion.
20. Potential Energy: The energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration.

Topic 2: "Biology Definitions"

"Understanding life at its most fundamental levels."

Biology is the study of living organisms and life processes. The following terms define key biological concepts, from genetics to ecosystems.

1. Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.
2. DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living organisms.
3. Evolution: The process through which species change over time through natural selection.
4. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
5. Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
6. Gene: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring.
7. Protein: Large biomolecules that perform a variety of functions within organisms.
8. Mitosis: A process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
9. Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four gamete cells.
10. Homeostasis: The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.
11. Photosynthesis: The process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy.
12. Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variation.
13. Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information.
14. Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene.
15. Zygote: A fertilized egg cell.
16. Nucleus: The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material.
17. Ribosome: A cell structure that makes protein.
18. Organism: An individual living thing.
19. Adaptation: A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
20. Ecology: The study of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment.

Topic 3: "Chemistry Definitions"

"Unraveling the substances that make up everything around us."

Chemistry focuses on the composition, structure, and properties of substances. These definitions lay the groundwork for understanding chemical reactions and material science.

1. Atom: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.
2. Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
3. Chemical Reaction: A process that involves the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structure of a substance.
4. Acid: A substance that donates hydrogen ions and has a pH less than 7.
5. Base: A substance that accepts hydrogen ions and has a pH greater than 7.
6. pH: A measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.
7. Electron: A subatomic particle with a negative charge.
8. Neutron: A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.
9. Proton: A subatomic particle with a positive charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.
10. Ionic Bond: A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges.
11. Covalent Bond: A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
12. Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
13. Solvent: A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.
14. Solute: A substance that is dissolved in a solvent.
15. Solution: A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
16. Oxidation: A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons.
17. Reduction: A chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons.
18. Periodic Table: A tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, ordered by atomic number.
19. Valence Electrons: Electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.
20. Isotope: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Topic 4: "Astronomy Definitions"

"Peering into the cosmos and understanding celestial phenomena."

Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies and the universe as a whole. These definitions will help you grasp the essentials of the cosmos.

1. Star: A luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, producing light through nuclear fusion.
2. Planet: A celestial body orbiting a star, large enough to be rounded by its own gravity.
3. Galaxy: A system of millions or billions of stars, along with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction.
4. Black Hole: A region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.
5. Supernova: A powerful explosion of a star that occurs at the end of its life cycle.
6. Nebula: A cloud of gas and dust in space, often the birthplace of stars.
7. Asteroid: A small rocky body orbiting the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
8. Comet: An icy body that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and begins to release gases.
9. Light Year: The distance that light travels in one year, approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers.
10. Red Giant: A late phase in the life cycle of a star, when it expands and cools after using up its hydrogen fuel.
11. White Dwarf: A small, dense remnant of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel.
12. Pulsar: A highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation.
13. Quasar: A distant, highly luminous object thought to be powered by a supermassive black hole.
14. Orbit: The curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon.
15. Eclipse: The event in which one celestial body moves into the shadow of another body.
16. Telescope: An instrument designed to observe distant objects

by collecting electromagnetic radiation. 17. Cosmology: The science of the origin and development of the universe. 18. Big Bang: The prevailing theory about the origin of the universe, suggesting it began as a singular point and has expanded ever since. 19. Exoplanet: A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system. 20. Dark Matter: A type of matter hypothesized to account for a large part of the total mass in the universe, which doesn't emit light or energy.

Topic 5: "Earth Science Definitions"

"Understanding the processes that shape our planet."

Earth science focuses on the physical constitution of the Earth and the atmosphere. These terms help define geological and atmospheric phenomena.

1. Plate Tectonics: The theory explaining the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
2. Volcano: A rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape.
3. Earthquake: A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, typically caused by movement within the Earth's crust.
4. Weathering: The process of breaking down rocks and minerals through contact with Earth's atmosphere, waters, and biological organisms.
5. Erosion: The gradual destruction or diminution of something, often soil or rock, by wind, water, or other natural forces.
6. Tsunami: A long high sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake or other disturbance.
7. Glacier: A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed by the accumulation of snow.
8. Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
9. Climate: The weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period of time.
10. Hurricane: A type of tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
11. Tornado: A violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
12. Geology: The science that deals with Earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it.
13. Sedimentary Rock: Rock that has formed through the deposition and solidification of sediment.
14. Igneous Rock: Rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
15. Metamorphic Rock: Rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural processes.
16. Mineral: A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
17. Fossil: The preserved remains or impression of a prehistoric organism.
18. Ocean Currents: Large-scale movement of seawater, driven by factors such as wind, water density differences, and tides.
19. Greenhouse Effect: The trapping of the sun's warmth in Earth's lower atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
20. Tectonic Plate: A massive slab of solid rock that makes up Earth's lithosphere and moves over the asthenosphere.

Top 100 List

1. Energy (Physics)
2. Force (Physics)
3. Gravity (Physics)
4. Motion (Physics)
5. Velocity (Physics)
6. Acceleration (Physics)
7. Friction (Physics)
8. Momentum (Physics)
9. Inertia (Physics)
10. Quantum Mechanics (Physics)
11. Cell (Biology)
12. DNA (Biology)
13. Evolution (Biology)
14. Ecosystem (Biology)
15. Metabolism (Biology)
16. Atom (Chemistry)
17. Molecule (Chemistry)
18. Chemical Reaction (Chemistry)
19. Acid (Chemistry)
20. Star (Astronomy)
21. Planet (Astronomy)
22. Galaxy (Astronomy)
23. Black Hole (Astronomy)
24. Plate Tectonics (Earth Science)
25. Volcano (Earth Science)
26. Earthquake (Earth Science)
27. Weathering (Earth Science)
28. Erosion (Earth Science)
29. Tsunami (Earth Science)
30. Glacier (Earth Science)
31. Work (Physics)
32. Thermodynamics (Physics)
33. Light Year (Astronomy)
34. Supernova (Astronomy)
35. Nebula (Astronomy)
36. Gene (Biology)
37. Mitosis (Biology)
38. Meiosis (Biology)
39. Homeostasis (Biology)
40. Chromosome (Biology)
41. Allele (Biology)
42. Zygote (Biology)
43. Photosynthesis (Biology)
44. Mutation (Biology)
45. Protein (Biology)
46. Solvent (Chemistry)
47. Solute (Chemistry)
48. Solution (Chemistry)
49. Periodic Table (Chemistry)
50. pH (Chemistry)
51. Neutron (Chemistry)
52. Proton (Chemistry)
53. Electron (Chemistry)
54. Covalent Bond (Chemistry)
55. Ionic Bond (Chemistry)
56. Red Giant (Astronomy)
57. White Dwarf (Astronomy)
58. Orbit (Astronomy)
59. Eclipse (Astronomy)
60. Comet (Astronomy)
61. Telescope (Astronomy)
62. Cosmology (Astronomy)
63. Big Bang (Astronomy)
64. Exoplanet (Astronomy)
65. Dark Matter (Astronomy)
66. Fossil (Earth Science)
67. Ocean Currents (Earth Science)
68. Tornado (Earth Science)
69. Hurricane (Earth Science)
70. Climate (Earth Science)
71. Atmosphere (Earth Science)
72. Geology (Earth Science)
73. Igneous Rock (Earth Science)
74. Sedimentary Rock (Earth Science)
75. Metamorphic Rock (Earth Science)
76. Mineral (Earth Science)
77. Adaptation (Biology)
78. Ecology (Biology)
79. Fossil Fuels (Earth Science)
80. Conduction (Physics)
81. Diffusion (Physics)
82. Magnetism (Physics)
83. Optics (Physics)
84. Heat Transfer (Physics)
85. Electric Current (Physics)
86. Circuit (Physics)
87. DNA Replication (Biology)
88. Cellular Respiration (Biology)
89. Genetic Drift (Biology)
90. Species (Biology)
91. Habitat (Biology)
92. Biodiversity (Biology)
93. Catalyst (Chemistry)
94. Oxidation (Chemistry)
95. Reduction (Chemistry)
96. Valence Electrons (Chemistry)
97. Tectonic Plates (Earth Science)
98. Subduction (Earth Science)
99. Tsunami (Earth Science)
100. Erosion (Earth Science)

Here is the complete Top 100 Table for the "Top 100 Science Definitions":

Top 100 Table

Rank	Name	Topic	Tagline
1	Energy	Physics	"The ability to do work or cause change."
2	Force	Physics	"A push or pull that causes an object to accelerate."
3	Gravity	Physics	"The force that attracts objects towards a physical body."
4	Motion	Physics	"The change in position of an object over time."
5	Velocity	Physics	"The speed of something in a given direction."
6	Acceleration	Physics	"The rate of change of velocity."
7	Friction	Physics	"Resistance between two objects in motion."
8	Momentum	Physics	"Quantity of motion an object has."
9	Inertia	Physics	"The resistance of an object to change its state of motion."
10	Quantum Mechanics	Physics	"Physics dealing with particles at the atomic level."
11	Cell	Biology	"The basic unit of life in all living organisms."
12	DNA	Biology	"The molecule carrying genetic instructions in living things."
13	Evolution	Biology	"The process by which species change over generations."
14	Ecosystem	Biology	"A community of living organisms interacting with their environment."
15	Metabolism	Biology	"The chemical processes in organisms to maintain life."
16	Atom	Chemistry	"The smallest unit of matter retaining the properties of an element."
17	Molecule	Chemistry	"A group of atoms bonded together."
18	Chemical Reaction	Chemistry	"A process that transforms one substance into another."
19	Acid	Chemistry	"A substance that donates hydrogen ions, with pH less than 7."
20	Star	Astronomy	"A luminous sphere of plasma producing light via nuclear fusion."
21	Planet	Astronomy	"A celestial body orbiting a star, massive enough to be spherical."
22	Galaxy	Astronomy	"A system of stars, dust, and dark matter held together by gravity."
23	Black Hole	Astronomy	"A region of space with gravity so intense that nothing can escape."
24	Plate Tectonics	Earth Science	"The theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates."
25	Volcano	Earth Science	"A rupture in Earth's crust that allows magma to escape."
26	Earthquake	Earth Science	"A sudden, violent shaking of the ground due to tectonic activity."
27	Weathering	Earth Science	"The breakdown of rocks and minerals by atmospheric conditions."
28	Erosion	Earth Science	"The process by which soil or rock is removed by natural forces."
29	Tsunami	Earth Science	"A long, high sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake."
30	Glacier	Earth Science	"A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow."
31	Work	Physics	"Energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved by a force."
32	Thermodynamics	Physics	"The study of heat, energy, and work."
33	Light Year	Astronomy	"The distance light travels in one year, about 9.46 trillion km."
34	Supernova	Astronomy	"A stellar explosion occurring at the end of a star's life cycle."
35	Nebula	Astronomy	"A cloud of gas and dust in space, often a stellar nursery."
36	Gene	Biology	"A unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring."
37	Mitosis	Biology	"A process of cell division that results in two identical cells."
38	Meiosis	Biology	"A type of cell division that creates four reproductive cells."
39	Homeostasis	Biology	"The regulation of internal conditions in organisms."
40	Chromosome	Biology	"A structure of nucleic acids and protein carrying genetic information."
41	Allele	Biology	"Different forms of a gene."
42	Zygote	Biology	"A fertilized egg cell, the first stage in the development of an organism."
43	Photosynthesis	Biology	"The process by which plants convert light into chemical energy."
44	Mutation	Biology	"A change in DNA sequence that leads to genetic variation."
45	Protein	Biology	"Molecules that perform many vital functions in organisms."
46	Solvent	Chemistry	"A substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution."
47	Solute	Chemistry	"A substance dissolved in a solvent."
48	Solution	Chemistry	"A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances."
49	Periodic Table	Chemistry	"A tabular arrangement of chemical elements by atomic number."
50	pH	Chemistry	"A scale measuring the acidity or basicity of a solution."
51	Neutron	Chemistry	"A subatomic particle with no charge found in the nucleus."
52	Proton	Chemistry	"A positively charged subatomic particle in the nucleus."
53	Electron	Chemistry	"A negatively charged subatomic particle orbiting the nucleus."
54	Covalent Bond	Chemistry	"A chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons."
55	Ionic Bond	Chemistry	"A chemical bond between oppositely charged ions."
56	Red Giant	Astronomy	"A star that has expanded after exhausting its hydrogen fuel."
57	White Dwarf	Astronomy	"The remnant core of a star after shedding its outer layers."
58	Orbit	Astronomy	"The path of a celestial body around a star, planet, or moon."
59	Eclipse	Astronomy	"When one celestial body passes into the shadow of another."
60	Comet	Astronomy	"An icy body that releases gas and dust when near the Sun."
61	Telescope	Astronomy	"An instrument for observing distant objects by collecting electromagnetic radiation."
62	Cosmology	Astronomy	"The study of the origin and development of the universe."
63	Big Bang	Astronomy	"The theory that the universe began with a massive explosion."
64	Exoplanet	Astronomy	"A planet that orbits a star outside our solar system."
65	Dark Matter	Astronomy	"A form of matter that does not emit light but exerts gravitational effects."
66	Fossil	Earth Science	"The preserved remains or impression of a prehistoric organism."
67	Ocean Currents	Earth Science	"Large-scale movement of water driven by wind, temperature, and salinity."
68	Tornado	Earth Science	"A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground."
69	Hurricane	Earth Science	"A powerful tropical storm with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher."
70	Climate	Earth Science	"The long-term weather patterns in a region."
71	Atmosphere	Earth Science	"The layer of gases surrounding a planet."
72	Geology	Earth Science	"The study of Earth's physical structure and history."
73	Igneous Rock	Earth Science	"Rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma."
74	Sedimentary Rock	Earth Science	"Rock formed through the deposition and solidification of sediment."
75	Metamorphic Rock	Earth Science	"Rock transformed by heat, pressure, or other natural processes."
76	Mineral	Earth Science	"A naturally occurring inorganic substance with a defined chemical composition."
77	Adaptation	Biology	"A trait that helps an organism survive in its environment."
78	Ecology	Biology	"The study of interactions between organisms and their environment."
79	Fossil Fuels	Earth Science	"Energy sources formed from the remains of ancient organisms."
80	Conduction	Physics	"The transfer of heat through direct contact."
81	Diffusion	Physics	"The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration."
82	Magnetism	Physics	"A force caused by moving electric charges."
83	Optics	Physics	"The study of light and its interactions."
84	Heat Transfer	Physics	"The movement of thermal energy from one object to another."
85	Electric Current	Physics	"The flow of electric charge, typically measured in amperes."
86	Circuit	Physics	"A complete path through which electric current can flow."
87	DNA Replication	Biology	"The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself during cell division."
88	Cellular Respiration	Biology	"The process by which cells convert glucose into energy."
89	Genetic Drift	Biology	"The change in the frequency of a gene variant in a population due to random sampling."
90	Species	Biology	"A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring."
91	Habitat	Biology	"The natural environment in which an organism lives."
92	Biodiversity	Biology	"The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat."
93	Catalyst	Chemistry	"A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed."
94	Oxidation	Chemistry	"A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons."
95	Reduction	Chemistry	"A chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons."
96	Valence Electrons	Chemistry	"Electrons in the outer shell of an atom involved in forming bonds."
97	Tectonic Plates	Earth Science	"Massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that move over the asthenosphere."
98	Subduction	Earth Science	"The process of one tectonic plate being forced under another."
99	Tsunami	Earth Science	"A long, high sea wave caused by a disturbance such as an earthquake."
100	Erosion	Earth Science	"The gradual destruction of rock or soil by natural forces."

Conclusion

This list compiles the essential scientific definitions that lay the groundwork for understanding the vast world of science. These terms span various branches of science, providing a comprehensive toolkit for anyone eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe, life, and the forces shaping our planet.