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The American Heritage Science Dictionary

 The American Heritage Science Dictionary defines the working vocabulary for the fields of science that matter to the student, the professional, and the novice. The definitions are not only written in simple-to-understand language, but many of the 8,500 entries are also accompanied by photographs, drawings, notes, tables and charts. All major fields of science are covered with definitions, explanations and examples in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, medicine, applied sciences, ecology and computer science. The American Heritage Science Dictionary also offers 320 biographies of notable scientists from the past, present and future. 

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Science Terms You Should Know

atomic clock

An extremely precise clock whose rate is controlled by a periodic process (such as vibration, or the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation) that occurs at a steady rate in atoms or molecules. The standard atomic clock is based on the vibrat…

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barometer

An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. Barometers are used in determining height above sea level and in forecasting the weather. The two primary types of barometers are the aneroid and the mercury barometer. …

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hypothesis

Plural hypotheses hypotheses A statement that explains or makes generalizations about a set of facts or principles, usually forming a basis for possible experiments to confirm its viability.Usage The words hypothesis, law, and theory refer to d…

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photosynthesis

The process by which green plants, algae, diatoms, and certain forms of bacteria make carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of chlorophyll, using energy captured from sunlight by chlorophyll, and releasing excess oxygen as a byprod…

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reciprocal

Either of a pair of numbers whose product is 1. For example, the number 3 is the reciprocal of 1/3 . …

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