Words for forces, particles and systems that shape the visible world.
Explore scientific terms that make hidden processes—from entropy to synapses—possible to think about.
A certain property of a body, expressed as a measurable quantity, such that when there is no communication of heat the quantity remains constant, but when heat enters or leaves the body the quantity increases or diminishes. If a small amount, h, of heat enters the body when its temperature is t in the thermodynamic scale the entropy of the body is increased by h / t. The entropy is regarded as measured from some standard temperature and pressure. Sometimes called the thermod
Open the full entry →Science repeatedly extends everyday language by naming entities and processes that cannot be observed directly. A strong scientific term does not merely label a discovery: it creates a stable concept that can be measured, debated and connected to other ideas.
Scientific language lets researchers reason about what cannot be held in the hand.
Entropy gives a name to the distribution and dispersal of energy. Quantum identifies a discrete amount in physical theory. Homeostasis describes how living systems maintain internal stability, while a synapse is the junction through which nerve cells communicate.
These words become powerful when their relationships are understood. A dictionary definition is the beginning; a subject map shows how the concepts fit together.
Key terms from physics, biology and chemistry.
A measure associated with the dispersal of energy and the number of possible states in a system.
Why it matters It connects thermodynamics, information and the direction of physical processes.
A discrete quantity of energy or another physical property.
Why it matters It marks the shift from continuous everyday intuition to quantised physical theory.
An electrically neutral elementary particle with extremely small mass.
Why it matters It passes through matter so readily that vast detectors are needed to observe it.
The attraction between masses and, in relativity, the effect of curved spacetime.
Why it matters An everyday experience opens onto one of physics’ deepest theories.
The process by which plants and other organisms use light to produce chemical energy.
Why it matters It links sunlight to most food chains and atmospheric oxygen.
The maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions in a living system.
Why it matters It explains how organisms regulate temperature, chemistry and other variables.
The junction through which a neuron communicates with another cell.
Why it matters It gives a physical location to communication within nervous systems.
A substance that increases a reaction rate without being consumed; figuratively, a cause of change.
Why it matters Its scientific and figurative uses share the idea of enabling transformation.
Move from terms to the language used to form hypotheses and evaluate evidence.