Natural sciences glossary

 

Natural sciences

This glossary is designed to help CEGEP students understand and use essential vocabulary related to natural sciences. Each term includes a definition, translation in French, pronunciation guide, and an example sentence to help reinforce usage.

atom

noun

The smallest unit of a chemical element.

Example: A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

fr: atome

cell

noun

The basic structural unit of all living organisms.

Example: The human body is made up of billions of cells.

fr: cellule

climate

noun

The average weather conditions of a region over time.

Example: The climate in this region is hot and dry.

fr: climat

ecosystem

noun

A biological community of interacting organisms and their environment.

Example: The rainforest is a complex ecosystem.

fr: écosystème

energy

noun

The ability to do work or cause change.

Example: Solar panels convert sunlight into energy.

fr: énergie

experiment

noun

A scientific procedure to test a hypothesis.

Example: The students conducted an experiment in biology class.

fr: expérience

force

noun

A push or pull acting upon an object.

Example: The force of the wind moved the tree branches.

fr: force

fossil

noun

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Example: Dinosaur fossils were found in the desert.

fr: fossile

gene

noun

A segment of DNA that determines a specific trait.

Example: Eye color is determined by several genes.

fr: gène

gravity

noun

The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth.

Example: Gravity keeps us grounded on Earth.

fr: gravité

hypothesis

noun

A testable explanation for a scientific observation.

Example: The scientist proposed a hypothesis to explain the results.

fr: hypothèse

matter

noun

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Example: Matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.

fr: matière

molecule

noun

A group of atoms bonded together.

Example: With two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, you get a water molecule.

fr: molécule

photosynthesis

noun

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.

Example: Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.

fr: photosynthèse

pollution

noun

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

Example: Air pollution is a major problem in urban areas.

fr: pollution

reaction

noun

A process in which substances interact to form new substances.

Example: A chemical reaction occurs when vinegar is mixed with baking soda.

fr: réaction

species

noun

A group of organisms that can reproduce with one another.

Example: The panda is a threatened species.

fr: espèce

velocity

noun

The speed of something in a given direction.

Example: The car’s velocity increased on the highway.

fr: vélocité / vitesse

This glossary was made with the Virtual Writing Tutor glossary maker and grammar checker.