Hello, my name is Christine Huynh and I have been in the Health Science College program for about a year now. This glossary addresses whoever is in the same field of study and wants to further expand their vocabulary knowledge by hopefully learning new related words. In fact, it is evident that courses like Biology, Chemistry, and even Physics are required studies to succeed in this demanding program. Therefore, I have created this bank of unique vocabulary words that you might come across during a lecture or a test. By reading the 15 researched terms bellow, you will likely discover new definitions which will help to increase your comprehension and expand your grasp on the subject when needed.
absorbing
adjective
To take something in, especially gradually.
Example: The cell’s membrane is very absorbing when it comes to transporting the nutrients to the blood vessels.
fr: absorbant(e)/ l’éponge est très absorbante ce qui facilite le nettoyage.
acid
noun
A chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red; typically, a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid of this kind.
Example: The acid is burning her.
fr: acide/ un fruit très acide est de pH 4.
amino acid
noun
Molecules that combine to form proteins.
Example: The simplest amino acid is glycine which contains a hydrogen atom as its side group.
fr: acide aminé/ les monomères des protéines sont les acides aminés.
amphibian
noun
A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that comprises the frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed (typically) by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage.
Example: In both mammalian and amphibian eggs, integrins have been proposed as putative sperm receptors.
fr: amphibie/ l’amphibie populaire, notamment la grenouille.
capsule
noun
A small case or container, especially a round or cylindrical one.
Example: Here I'll write some capsule reviews of these books.
fr: capsule/ Une critique capsule du film.
cell
noun
The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism, typically microscopic and consisting of cytoplasm and a nucleus enclosed in a membrane. Microscopic organisms typically consist of a single cell, which is either eukaryotic or prokaryotic.
Example: Cell biology has always had a close connection with studies of human diseases.
fr: cellule/ la cellule se multiplie par mitose.
digestion
noun
The process of breaking down food by mechanical and enzymatic action in the alimentary canal into substances that can be used by the body.
Example: He was proud of his good digestion and excellent health.
fr: digestion/ Des épisodes de dysenterie ont altéré sa digestion.
drug
noun
A medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested r otherwise introduced into the body.
Example: Take this drug when you are sick.
fr: médicament/ Un nouveau médicament destiné aux personnes atteintes de la maladie de Parkinson.
enzymes
noun
A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Example: The pancreatic juice contains enzymes which continue the digestion of food arriving from the stomach.
fr: enzyme/ une enzyme est une protéine.
glucose
noun
A simple sugar which is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
Example: Biosensors measure a cyclist's glucose to help optimize fuel levels.
fr: glucose/ on peut retrouver du glucose dans les fruits.
healing
noun
The process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.
Example: The gift of healing
fr: guérison/ le don guérison
laboratory
noun
A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.
Example: The tests are carried out in the hospital's own laboratory.
fr: laboratoire/ Un technicien de laboratoire.
lung
noun
Each of the pairs of organs situated within the rib cage, consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which air is drawn, so that oxygen can pass into the blood and carbon dioxide be removed. Lungs are characteristic of vertebrates other than fish, though similar structures are present in some other animal groups.
Example: She suffered a collapsed lung and needed surgery to her hand.
fr: poumon/ mes poumons ne fonctionnent pas bien.
mechanic
noun
A person who repairs and maintains machinery.
Example: The mechanic is coming over to help me repair my sink today.
fr: mécanicien/ mécanicienne/ le mécanicien travail au garage près de chez moi.
therapy
noun
Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
Example: You need a therapy session to talk your problems out.
fr: thérapie/ La thérapie aide le patient à faire face à des relations difficiles.
