This glossary is created to help you if your science related vocabulary lacks at times. Translation to French, images and even example sentences will be present to help you understand the definitions. My name is Marianne and it's my first year studying Pure Sciences. My glossary contains 20 words with their definitions. I used the dictionary Larousse to help me find the words and Google for the definitions. Read the entirety of my glossary to discuss like a professional.
absolute value
noun
The magnitude of a real number without regard to its sign.
Example: The absolute value of -7 is 7.
fr: valeur absolue
Qef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons">Qef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Absolute_value.svg">
acceleration
noun
The rate of change of velocity per unit of time.
Example: The car's rapid acceleration allowed it to merge onto the highway smoothly.
fr: accélération
algebra
noun
The part of mathematics in which letters and other general symbols are used to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations.
Example: In algebra he discovered the method of approximating to the real roots of an equation.
fr: algèbre
atom
noun
An atom is the smallest, fundamental unit of matter that retains the chemical properties of an element. It constitutes the basic building block of all physical substances, consisting of a dense, central nucleus of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
Example: Water consists of three atoms.
fr: atome
biology
noun
The study of living organisms, divided into many specialized fields that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.
Example: She decided to major in biology because of her fascination with how living organisms function and interact.
fr: biologie
chemistry
noun
The branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.
Example: The study of chemistry reveals how different substances interact and change, providing essential insights into the composition of matter.
fr: chimie
ecosystem
noun
An ecosystem is a functional, geographic unit consisting of all living organisms (biotic factors like plants, animals, and microbes) interacting with each other and their non-living physical environment (abiotic factors like sunlight, soil, water, and climate).
Example: The Amazon rainforest is a complex and diverse ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.
fr: écosystème
Sam Gaylard, Michelle Waycott and Paul Lavery, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commo">Sam Gaylard, Michelle Waycott and Paul Lavery, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commo" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Ecosystem_services_provided_by_a_vegetated_coastal_ecosystem.jpg">
experimental
adjective
(of a new invention or product) based on untested ideas or techniques and not yet established or finalized.
Example: Experimental medicines are being developed to cure cancer.
fr: expérimentale (f.s), expérimental (m.s)
gravity
noun
The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.
Example: Without gravity, we would all float away into space.
fr: gravité
hydrophobic
adjective
Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
Example: The polyurethane foam does not hold moisture and is hydrophobic (water repelling).
fr: hydrophobe
hypothesis
noun
A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Example: The scientist formulated a hypothesis that increased sunlight exposure would directly accelerate the rate of plant growth.
fr: hypothèse
integral calculus
noun
Integral calculus is a branch of mathematics focused on accumulation and summation, finding the area under curves, volumes, and other total quantities, acting as the inverse of differential calculus (finding rates of change).
Example: Engineers frequently use integral calculus to calculate the area under a curve, which helps determine the total volume of materials needed for construction projects.
fr: calcul intégral
Geek3, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons">Geek3, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Mplwp_inverse_tangent_integral_Ti0123.svg">
isotope
noun
Each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, and hence differ in relative atomic mass but not in chemical properties; in particular, a radioactive form of an element.
Example: Caesium 137 is an isotope used for the irradiation of food.
fr: isotope
mitochondria
noun
An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner layer being folded inward to form layers (cristae).
Example: Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.
fr: mitochondrie
Laboratoires Servier, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons">Laboratoires Servier, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Mitochondria_4_--_Smart-Servier.png">
nuclear
adjective
Relating to the nucleus of an atom.
Example: The war in Ukraine risks the use of nuclear weapons at any moment.
fr: nucléaire
organic
adjective
Relating to or derived from living matter.
Example: A soil rich in organic matter will help provide nutrients as well as improve drainage.
fr: organique
oxidation
noun
The process or result of oxidizing or being oxidized.
Example: Bananas turn brown over time because of the oxidation process.
fr: oxydation
perimeter
noun
The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.
Example: A ten-foot high fence marked the perimeter of the camp.
fr: périmètre
vector
noun
A quantity having direction as well as magnitude, especially as determining the position of one point in space relative to another.
Example: A PC is a vector quantified by a direction and a length.
fr: vecteur
voltage
noun
An electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.
Example: I wanted to buy a low voltage heater to keep my electricity bill down.
