Active and Topic Vocabulary: Science, Technology, and the Environment

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on lecture review sheets covering modern technology, scientific revolution, genetics, agriculture, climate change, and environmental science.

dashboard

The inside of a car, in front of the driver, where the controls are.

interface

The point where two things affect each other.

hypothesis

A proposed explanation or idea put forward as a starting premise to be tested and investigated.

empirical data

Information and evidence collected through observation or experimentation rather than pure theoretical speculation.

pure science

A theoretical study of the sciences, rather than a practical study.

applied science

The practical application of scientific knowledge and principles, functioning as the opposite of pure science.

breakthrough

A major, dramatic discovery or development that leads to significant progress, such as in cancer research.

state-of-the-art technology

Cutting-edge technology that incorporates the newest and most advanced techniques and standards available.

(to) come under fire

To become the target of intense criticism or severe opposition.

(to) call for a moratorium

To officially demand a temporary suspension or halting of an ongoing activity, such as commercial whaling.

deployment

The act of distributing, positioning, or bringing resources into active operation, such as the deployment of nuclear weapons.

(to) tamper with nature

To artificially manipulate or interfere with the natural order of living things (e.g., cell cloning).

(to) strike a balance (between A and B)

To find a fair, viable compromise or equilibrium between two contrasting priorities.

depletion of natural resources

The substantial reduction or total exhaustion of essential raw materials and supplies (such as freshwater) in an ecosystem.

loss of biodiversity

The decline and disappearance of animal and plant species diversity within a specific habitat or globally.

(to) quantify sth.

To calculate, measure, or express the physical extent or numeric amount of something.

carbon footprint

A measurement of the daily amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by an individual, event, or organization.

greenhouse effect

The warming effect caused by the sun's heat becoming trapped within the Earth's lower atmosphere by atmospheric gases.

sustainability

The quality of maintaining ecological equilibrium by utilizing resources without exhausting them for future generations.

genome

The total genetic material and complete set of DNA present in an organism or individual cell.

chromosome

The small, gene-carrying threadlike structure found within animal and plant cells.

uterus

The female reproductive organ inside which mammalian embryos and babies develop during pregnancy.

in vitro

Taking place outside of a living organism within an artificial setting, such as in a laboratory test tube or petri dish.

nucleus

The central organelle of a eukaryotic cell where its genetic information and chromosomes are stored.

stem cell

An undifferentiated biological cell that holds the potential to develop into various specialized cell types.

hereditary

Biologically passed down from a parent to a child genetically before birth.

mutilation

The act of inflicting violent, permanent damage or severe disfigurement on an object, animal, or person.

wrench (AE)

A metal hand tool, often featuring an adjustable jaw, used for gripping, fastening, and turning nuts or bolts.

test plot

A designated plot of ground set aside to cultivate crops or plants specifically for testing and research purposes.

debris

Scattered fragments, wreckage, or rubble left behind after a destruction or an explosion.

rash (of events)

A sudden outbreak or series of unpleasant, unwelcome occurrences happening in rapid succession.

drought

An extended period of time with little or no rainfall, causing water levels and moisture reserves to drop severely.

yield (n)

The measurable quantity of an agricultural crop harvested or an industrial product manufactured.

(to be) underway

Having commenced and currently in progress or actively operating.

(to) inoculate sb.

To vaccinate an individual or animal against a specific disease to stimulate immunity.

(to) take one's cue from sb.

To model one's actions, decisions, or investments on another person's example.

(to) steer clear of sth.

To deliberately keep away from, bypass, or avoid an issue, situation, or entity.

merger

The formal union or combination of two commercial enterprises into a unified corporate body.

(to be) constrained by sth.

To be limited, held back, or restricted in action by an external factor or circumstance.

surplus

An excess quantity remaining when all consumption demands and operational requirements have been met.

(to) take sth. for granted

To treat an advantage, resource, or person as permanently assured without acknowledging or appreciating its true worth.

deforestation

The large-scale clearance, logging, and destruction of native forested land by human activities.

(to) amplify sth.

To intensify, enlarge, or strengthen an effect, signal, or statement (the opposite of weakening it).

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; an advanced medical condition caused by HIV in which the immune system is unable to protect the body against infection.

antibiotics

Medicinal compounds prescribed to halt bacterial proliferation or destroy bacteria within the body.

chemotherapy

A standard therapeutic medical regimen employing cytotoxic drugs to treat malignant cancer cells.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

The fundamental cellular chemical molecule in animals and plants that stores and transmits hereditary genetic coding.

IVF (in vitro fertilization)

A medical procedure wherein an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the female body before being transferred into the uterus to gestate.

robotics

The branch of engineering and computer science centered on designing, constructing, and operating automated robots.

fossil fuel

Combustible geological energy sources, such as coal or crude oil, formed from the decomposition of ancient organic matter over millions of years.

radioactive fallout

Harmful, irradiated particulate matter distributed across the atmosphere and deposited on the earth following a nuclear detonation or reactor accident.

sewage

Contaminated wastewater carrying domestic and industrial refuse conveyed away through an underground sewer network.

solar panel

A planar array composed of photovoltaic cells constructed to capture solar rays and convert them into electrical power.