Essential Vocabulary for the GRE - A Drop in the Ocean

a large collection of islands or the sea surrounding them

an area of land that is covered with water or is always very wet

a lake, either natural or artificial, from which water is supplied to houses

a steep cliff or edge of a rock face, often with a significant drop

a large body of land that is partially surrounded by water but is attached to a larger area of land

the highest point or summit of a mountain

a small, natural watercourse or stream; typically characterized by a gentle and continuous flow

a layer of matter that has been accumulated, particularly by a body of water

relating to or located at or near the geographic equator, the imaginary line dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

relating to a large mass of compressed ice like those near the poles or on mountains

an open and high land covered with grass, bushes and heather

an area of land, particularly in reference to its physical or natural features

a structure built along the water's edge; often with a platform for ships to load and unload goods

a low-lying piece of land between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it

(of land or a climate) very dry because of not having enough or any rain

a small steep waterfall, usually one of several others

a natural or man-made structure built along a river or waterway to prevent flooding by confining the water within its boundaries

the upper layer of trees in a forest that creates a dense cover with interlocking leaves; offering shade and shelter in the ecosystem

communities of plant life native to a specific area or period

a plant or tree's branches and leaves collectively

a plant-like organism that often grows on organic matter and has no flowers or leaves, such as moulds and mushrooms

(of plants) lasting for several years, often returning and flowering repeatedly during its life cycle

to deposit pollen on a plant or flower so that it can produce new seeds or fruit

a small and young tree

a new growth on a tree or plant or the part of a plant that starts to appear above the ground because it is growing

(of a seed or plant) to begin growing

(of an object) able to be broken down by living organisms such as bacteria, which is then safe for the environment

to make a place, substance, etc. dirty or harmful by adding dangerous material

related to the connection between animals, plants, and humans and their environment

liquid waste or sewage discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sea

(of a vehicle) not producing gases harmful to the environment

in relation to activities that minimize disruption to ecosystems; emphasizing sustainability and reduced ecological footprint

a small amount of rain, snow, etc. that moves in a quick and stormy way and lasts only for a short period of time

a very powerful wind

the line where the sky and earth seem to come in contact with each other

a period in the summer during which wind blows and rain falls in India or other hot South Asian countries

a period during which the weather becomes warmer causing snow and ice to melt

having the capacity to be used to grow crops

(agriculture) the deliberate and systematic act of nurturing of plants, crops, or skills; often involving careful attention, development, and improvement