Glossary

Our glossary defines potentially new scientific or other terms to students. Glossary words are appear in bold in our resources.

  • a as in ape
  • ä as in car
  • e as in me
  • i as in ice
  • o as in go
  • ô as in for
  • u as in use
  • ü as in fur
  • oo as in tool
  • ng as in sting

P

proportion

(prə pȯr shən): The size, number, or amount of one thing or group as compared to the size, number, or amount of another.

propulsion

(prǝ pǝl shǝn): The process of driving or propelling forward.

protocol

(prō tə kȯl): A detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure.

provide

(prə vīd): To supply something that is useful or needed.

proximity

(prak si mǝ tē): The quality or state of being physically close.

proxy

(präk sē): A person authorized to act or speak for another.

prune

(prün): To cut off or cut back parts of for better shape or more fruitful growth.

psychology

(sī lǝ gē): The science of mind and behavior.

public

( blik): Accessible to or shared by all members of the community.

public land

( blik land): Land owned by a government.

publicly

( bli klē): By the people generally or by a government.

pulp

(pəlp): A material prepared by chemical or mechanical means from various materials (such as wood) for use in making paper products.

pupa

(pyü pə): (plural "pupae") A stage of an insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) having complete metamorphosis that occurs between the larva and the adult, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or case, and goes through changes inside by which structures of the larva are replaced by those of the adult.

pygmy

(pig mē): Something very small for its kind.

Q

quadrat

(kwä drət): A usually rectangular plot used for ecological or population studies.

quality

(kwä lǝ tē): A basic characteristic.

quantify

(kwän tǝ fī): To determine, express, or measure the quantity of.

quantity

(kwän tǝ tē): A determinate or estimated amount.

questionnaire

(kwes chǝ ner): A set of questions for obtaining statistically useful or personal information from individuals.

R

radiation

(rā dē ā shǝn): The process of giving off radiant energy in the form of waves or particles.