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Essential Vocabulary for the GRE /

Scientifically Speaking

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1-
zoology
2-
botany
3-
synthesis
4-
antigen
5-
cortisol
6-
clone
7-
dominant
8-
fetus
9-
gene pool
10-
genome
11-
incubation
12-
lymph
13-
membrane
14-
to mutate
15-
neurotransmitter
16-
symbiosis
17-
specimen
18-
to secrete
19-
propagation
20-
pigmentation
21-
physiology
22-
to ovulate
23-
nucleus
24-
metabolism
25-
carbon dating
26-
cybernetics
27-
pathology
28-
vivisection
29-
aerodynamics
30-
volatile
31-
vacuum
32-
thermal
33-
refraction
34-
particle
35-
to oscillate
36-
nuclear fission
37-
nuclear fusion
38-
momentum
39-
isotope
40-
kinetic
zoology
zoology
noun
z
z
oo
oʊɑ
l
l
o
ə
g
ʤ
y
i
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a branch of science that deals with animals

example
Example
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She decided to major in zoology because of her fascination with animal behavior.
The zoology department at the university conducts research on a wide range of animal species.
What is "zoology"?

Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their behavior, anatomy, physiology, and interactions with their environment. Zoologists research how animals adapt to their habitats, how they communicate, and how ecosystems function. Zoology also plays a role in conservation, studying endangered species and providing insights into how to protect animal biodiversity.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
botany
botany
noun
b
b
o
ɑ
t
t
a
ə
n
n
y
i

the scientific study of plants, their structure, genetics, classification, etc.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
synthesis
noun
s
s
y
ɪ
n
n
th
θ
e
ə
s
s
i
ɪ
s
s

the act of producing a substance that exists in living beings

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
antigen
noun
a
æ
n
n
t
t
i
ə
g
ʤ
e
ə
n
n

any foreign substance in the body that can trigger a response from the immune system

What is an "antigen"?

An antigen is a foreign substance that triggers an immune response in the human body. It can be a molecule, such as a protein or a carbohydrate, that is recognized as non-self by the immune system. Antigens are often found on the surface of pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, but can also be present on allergens or cells from transplanted organs. When the immune system encounters an antigen, it initiates an immune response to eliminate or neutralize it. This response involves the production of antibodies, activation of immune cells, and the development of immune memory. Antigens are crucial for the body's ability to distinguish between self and non-self and play a vital role in immune defense and disease recognition.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
cortisol
noun
c
k
o
ɔ
r
r
t
t
i
ɪ
s
s
o
ɔ
l
l

a steroid hormone that the body produces and is used in medicine to help cure skin diseases

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
clone
noun
c
k
l
l
o
n
n
e

a cell or a group of cells created through a natural or artificial process from a source that they are genetically identical to

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
dominant
Adjective
d
d
o
ɑ
m
m
i
ə
n
n
a
ə
n
n
t
t

(of genes) causing a person to inherit a particular physical feature, even if it is only present in one parent's genome

recessive

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
fetus
fetus
noun
f
f
e
i
t
t
u
ə
s
s

an offspring of a human or animal that is not born yet, particularly a human aged more than eight weeks after conception

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
gene pool
noun
uk flag
/dʒˈiːn pˈuːl/

all of the genes that are available within breeding populations of a particular species of animal or plant

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
genome
noun
g
ʤ
e
i
n
n
o
m
m
e

the complete set of genetic material of any living thing

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
incubation
noun
i
ɪ
n
n
c
k
u
ju
b
b
a
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n

the controlled maintenance of a specific temperature; fostering optimal conditions for the development of organisms, processes, or materials

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
lymph
noun
l
l
y
ɪ
m
m
ph
f

a colorless liquid consisting of white blood cells that helps to prevent infections from spreading

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
membrane
noun
m
m
e
ɛ
m
m
b
b
r
r
a
n
n
e

a thin sheet of tissue that separates or covers the inner parts of an organism

What is a "membrane"?

A membrane refers to a thin, flexible layer of tissue that covers, lines, or separates various structures and organs. These membranes serve diverse functions, such as protecting organs, providing structural support, facilitating movement and flexibility, and allowing for the exchange of substances. Examples of membranes in the human body include the mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, the serous membranes that encase organs in protective fluid-filled cavities, and the cell membranes that surround individual cells, regulating the passage of molecules. Membranes are essential for the proper functioning and integration of different body systems.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
to mutate
Verb
m
m
u
ju
t
t
a
t
t
e

to experience genetic changes

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
neurotransmitter
noun
n
n
eu
ʊ
r
r
o
ə
t
t
r
r
a
æ
n
n
s
s
m
m
i
ɪ
tt
t
e
ə
r
r

a chemical substance that transmits messages from a neuron to another one or to a muscle

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
symbiosis
noun
s
s
y
ɪ
m
m
b
b
io
aɪoʊ
s
s
i
ə
s
s

a close and often long-term interaction between two different species living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
specimen
noun
s
s
p
p
e
ɛ
c
s
i
ə
m
m
e
ə
n
n

a representative or characteristic sample that is examined or analyzed to gain insights or understanding of a particular group or category

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
to secrete
to secrete
Verb
s
s
e
ɪ
c
k
r
r
e
i
t
t
e

(of a cell, gland, or organ) to produce and release a liquid substance in the body

Grammatical Information:

transitive

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
propagation
noun
p
p
r
r
o
ɑ
p
p
a
ə
g
g
a
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n

the process of natural multiplication; representing the expansion of a population over time

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
pigmentation
noun
p
p
i
ɪ
g
g
m
m
e
ə
n
n
t
t
a
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n

the natural coloring of tissues, surfaces, or structures; contributing to the characteristic hues or tones observed in animals, plants, or human beings

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
physiology
noun
ph
f
y
ɪ
s
z
io
l
l
o
ə
g
ʤ
y
i

the field of science that studies the function or interactions among organisms

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
to ovulate
Verb
o
ɑ:
v
v
u
l
l
a
t
t
e

(of a female animal or human) to produce an ovum from the ovary

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
nucleus
noun
n
n
u
u
c
k
l
l
eu
s
s

(biology) the part of a cell that contains most of the genetic information

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
metabolism
noun
m
m
e
ə
t
t
a
æ
b
b
o
ə
l
l
i
ɪ
s
z
ə
m
m

the chemical processes through which food is changed into energy for the body to use

What is "metabolism"?

Metabolism refers to the complex set of biochemical processes that occur within cells to convert nutrients into energy and essential molecules for growth, repair, and maintenance. It encompasses both the breakdown of substances (catabolism) to release energy and the synthesis of molecules (anabolism) to build and maintain cellular structures. Metabolism influences the body's energy expenditure, regulation of body weight, hormone production, and overall physiological functioning. It is regulated by various factors, including genetics, age, diet, physical activity, and hormonal balance. Metabolism is a vital process that supports the body's basic functions and is closely linked to overall health and well-being.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
carbon dating
noun
uk flag
/kˈɑːɹbən dˈeɪɾɪŋ/

a method used for measuring how old an organic material is by calculating the amount of carbon they contain

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
cybernetics
noun
c
s
y
b
b
e
ə
r
r
n
n
e
ɛ
t
t
i
ɪ
c
k
s
s

the study of how communication and control work in living organisms and machines, focusing on information flow, feedback, and system regulation

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
pathology
noun
p
p
a
ə
th
θ
o
ɑ
l
l
o
ə
g
ʤ
y
i

a branch of medical science primarily focusing on the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury

What is "pathology"?

Pathology is the study of diseases, their causes, processes, and effects on the body's tissues and organs. Pathologists, medical specialists in this field, examine tissue samples, bodily fluids, and cells to diagnose diseases and understand their underlying causes. They identify abnormalities, such as cancerous cells or infectious substances, and provide valuable information about the progress and treatment options for the disease. Pathology includes various subfields, including anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and molecular pathology, all aiming to advance medical knowledge and patient care.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
vivisection
noun
v
v
i
ɪ
v
v
i
ɪ
s
s
e
ɛ
c
k
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n

the scientific and experimental operations performed on live animals

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
aerodynamics
noun
ae
ɛ
r
r
o
d
d
y
n
n
a
æ
m
m
i
ɪ
c
k
s
s

the study of the behavior of air as it interacts with solid objects, particularly the flow of air around and through objects, and the effects of this interaction on the objects

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
volatile
Adjective
v
v
o
ɑ
l
l
a
ə
t
t
i
ə
l
l
e

having a tendency to change rapidly and unpredictably, often characterized by fluctuations or instability

nonvolatile

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
vacuum
noun
v
v
a
æ
c
k
uu
ju
m
m

a space that is utterly empty of all matter

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
thermal
Adjective
th
θ
e
ɜ
r
r
m
m
a
ə
l
l

related to heat or temperature, including how heat moves, how materials expand with temperature changes, and the energy stored in heat

nonthermal

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
refraction
noun
uk flag
/ɹɪfɹˈækʃən/

the bending of the wave's path as it passes from one medium to another; caused by a change in its speed or direction

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
particle
noun
p
p
a
ɑ
r
r
t
t
i
ə
c
k
ə
l
l
e

(physics) any of the smallest units that energy or matter consists of, such as electrons, atoms, molecules, etc.

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
to oscillate
to oscillate
Verb
o
ɑ
s
s
c
i
ə
ll
l
a
t
t
e

to move back and forth repeatedly between two points or positions

Grammatical Information:

intransitive

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
nuclear fission
noun
uk flag
/nˈuːklɪɹ fˈɪʃən/

the process or action of splitting a nucleus into two or more parts resulting in the release of a significant amount of energy

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
nuclear fusion
nuclear fusion
noun
uk flag
/nˈuːklɪɹ fjˈuːʒən/

(physics) the reaction in which two nuclei join together and produce energy

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
momentum
noun
m
m
o
m
m
e
ɛ
n
n
t
t
u
ə
m
m

the strength of a moving object determined by multiplying how heavy it is by how fast it is going

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
isotope
noun
i
s
s
o
ə
t
t
o
p
p
e

each of two or more forms of the same element that contain equal numbers of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, leading to variation in atomic mass

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun
kinetic
Adjective
k
k
i
ə
n
n
e
ɛ
t
t
i
ɪ
c
k

relating to the energy associated with motion or movement, emphasizing the dynamic state of objects in action

Word Family

zoo

Noun

zoology

Noun

zoologist

Noun

zoologist

Noun

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