C225 words · Proficient

Doing Science vocabulary — C2

Science vocabulary such as spectrometer, chromatography and calibration, plus regression, causation and reproducibility. Words for discussing research methods and their limits.

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Words in this set

apparatus
/ˌæpərˈætəs/
The whole set of equipment assembled for one particular scientific task.
Example: The apparatus took an hour to set up properly.
incubate
/ˈɪnkjəˌbeɪt/
To keep cells or bacteria at a steady warm temperature so that they can grow.
Example: We incubate the samples overnight and check them in the morning.
assay
/ˈæsi/
A scientific test done to find out how much of a particular substance is present, or how pure it is.
Example: The lab ran an assay to check the purity of the sample.
denature
/dɪˈneɪtʃər/
To change the natural structure of a protein, often using heat or a chemical, so it stops working normally.
Example: Heat can denature the proteins in an egg, turning it solid.
aseptic
Completely free from harmful bacteria, especially through careful cleaning and procedure.
Example: Surgeons work under strict aseptic conditions to prevent infection.
desiccator
A sealed container used to keep chemicals or samples completely dry by removing moisture.
Example: Keep the powder in a desiccator so it doesn't absorb moisture.
spectrometer
/spɛkˈtrɑmətər/
An instrument that measures how light interacts with a substance in order to identify what it is made of.
Example: The spectrometer identified the exact chemical makeup of the rock.
chromatography
/kroʊməˈtɑɡrəfi/
A laboratory method used to separate a mixture into its different parts, often shown as coloured bands.
Example: Chromatography separated the ink into several different colours.
calibration
/ˌkæləˈbreɪʃən/
The process of checking and adjusting an instrument so that its measurements are accurate.
Example: Regular calibration keeps the scale's readings accurate.
vacuum
/ˈvækjum/
A space that has been completely emptied of air or gas.
Example: The experiment took place inside a sealed vacuum.
anomaly
/əˈnɑməli/
A single result that clearly does not fit the pattern all the others make.
Example: That spike looks like an anomaly rather than a real effect.
magnitude
/ˈmæɡnəˌtud/
The sheer size or scale of something, especially when it is far greater than expected.
Example: Nobody grasped the magnitude of the problem until later.
extrapolate
/ɛkˈstræpəˌleɪt/
To use the pattern in what you already know to work out likely values beyond it.
Example: You cannot extrapolate from three days of data.
quantitative
/ˈkwɑntɪˌteɪtɪv/
Relating to amounts and numbers that can be measured, rather than qualities or opinions.
Example: The study relies on quantitative data collected from thousands of surveys.
qualitative
/ˈkwɑləˌteɪtɪv/
Relating to the quality or nature of something, rather than a measurable amount.
Example: Interviews gave the researchers rich qualitative information about people's feelings.
regression
/rəˈɡrɛʃən/
A statistical method used to study how one variable is related to and predicted by others.
Example: The team used regression to predict future sales from past data.
causation
/ˌkɔˈzeɪʃən/
A direct relationship in which one thing actually makes another thing happen.
Example: Just because two things happen together doesn't prove causation.
longitudinal
/ˌlɑndʒəˈtudənəl/
Describes a study that follows the same people or subjects over a long period of time.
Example: A longitudinal study tracked the same families for twenty years.
interpolate
/ˌɪˈtɜrpəˌleɪt/
To estimate an unknown value that falls between two known values in a set of data.
Example: Scientists interpolate the missing temperature readings between two known points.
aggregate
/ˈæɡrəɡət/
To combine many separate pieces of data into a single total or overall figure.
Example: The report will aggregate results from all twelve regions.
empirical
/ˌɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/
Based on what has actually been observed or measured, rather than on theory or belief.
Example: There's little empirical support for that claim so far.
corroborate
/kərˈɑbərˌeɪt/
To support a claim by providing further proof from a separate, independent source.
Example: A second team's results corroborate what we found last year.
paradigm
/ˈpɛrəˌdaɪm/
A typical example or a widely accepted way of thinking about something, especially in science.
Example: The discovery challenged the existing scientific paradigm.
rigor
/ˈrɪɡər/
Extreme thoroughness and care, especially in the way research is carried out.
Example: The study was praised for its scientific rigor.
reproducibility
The ability of an experiment to be repeated by other scientists and get the same results.
Example: Poor reproducibility is a serious problem in some areas of science.