Hi, my name is Abdelkarim Bendaouia, and I am studying Natural Sciences at Collège Ahuntsic in Montréal. I created this glossary to help students who are beginning their science courses or who are planning to join this program. Natural Sciences includes biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and many of the terms we use come from English scientific textbooks and lab manuals. These words can be confusing for new students or for anyone studying science in a second language. This glossary provides clear definitions, French translations, useful examples, and simple explanations that can help anyone understand scientific vocabulary more easily. I hope this glossary will support other students and make their learning experience smoother and more enjoyable.
acceleration
noun
The change in velocity of an object over time.
Example: Acceleration occurs when a moving object speeds up or slows down.
fr: accélération
atom
noun
The smallest unit of matter that keeps the properties of an element.
Example: Every object around you is made of tiny atoms.
fr: atome
biodiversity
noun
The variety of living organisms in a specific environment.
Example: Rainforests have some of the highest biodiversity on Earth.
fr: biodiversité
ecosystem
noun
A community of organisms interacting with their environment.
Example: A pond is a simple ecosystem made of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
fr: écosystème
electrolyte
noun
A substance that produces ions when dissolved in water and conducts electricity.
Example: Sports drinks contain electrolytes to help the body stay hydrated.
fr: électrolyte
energy
noun
The ability to do work or cause change in a system.
Example: Plants use sunlight as a source of energy to grow.
fr: énergie
enzyme
noun
A protein that helps chemical reactions occur faster in living organisms.
Example: Enzymes in saliva help break down food.
fr: enzyme
equilibrium
noun
A state where opposite forces or reactions are balanced.
Example: The system reached equilibrium after several minutes.
fr: équilibre
force
noun
A push or pull acting on an object that causes a change in motion.
Example: Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the Earth.
fr: force
hypothesis
noun
A testable prediction used in scientific investigations.
Example: The students formed a hypothesis before starting the experiment.
fr: hypothèse
mitosis
noun
The process by which a cell divides into two identical cells.
Example: Mitosis is essential for growth and tissue repair in the body.
fr: mitose
molecule
noun
A group of atoms bonded together and acting as a single unit.
Example: Water is made of molecules that contain two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
fr: molécule
reaction
noun
A process in which substances interact to form new substances.
Example: A chemical reaction occurred when the two solutions were mixed.
fr: réaction
variable
noun
A factor that can change or be controlled in a scientific experiment.
Example: Temperature was the main variable in the experiment.
fr: variable
velocity
noun
The speed of an object in a specific direction.
Example: The car’s velocity increased as it went downhill.
