Scientists Say
A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context. Click here to find the alphabetized list.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Decibel
A decibel is a unit of measurement that describes a sound’s volume. It’s used for sounds that are in the range of human hearing.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Estuary
This is where a freshwater river meets a salty sea. This environment has brackish water, a mix of saltwater and freshwater.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Quark
These subatomic particles are the building blocks of bigger particles, including the protons and neutrons found in an atom’s nucleus.
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- Earth
Scientists Say: Firewhirl and Firenado
Firewhirls are smallish vortices of ash and flame; firenadoes are true twisters set off by the conditions that come with a wildfire.
- Environment
Scientists Say: Nutrient
Nutrients provide living things, from bacteria to animals, with the energy and materials to grow. But too much of a nutrient can sometimes cause harm.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Papillae
These small nubs stick out from a body part. They include things such as tongue bumps with taste buds and the structures under the skin that help grow hair.
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Scientists Say: Octopod
These marine animals have soft bodies and eight sucker-lined arms. Some are known for their smarts or ability to quickly change colors.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Power
This word describes the rate at which energy is delivered or used to do work, along with related ideas, such as ways of making electricity.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Species
This word describes organisms grouped by their similarities in genetics and physical traits. But defining species can be tricky.
- Space
Scientists Say: Black hole
This is an object in space with such a strong gravitational pull that nothing, not even light, can escape
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Scientists Say: Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an idea that scientists propose, then study and explore, to explain phenomena in the natural world.
