This post focuses on a shortlist of some most common words used in IELTS Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening. Here, IELTS candidates can learn and practice science and technology-related words and phrases. All the words are given here with definitions/meanings and their use in example sentences. This vocabulary list will help you write essays and speak on new inventions, research, technology and science-related topics etc. 

Vocabulary list on ‘Science and Technology’:  

Attribute – a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something – His attributes such as honesty and helpfulness has made him a special person.

Apex – tip; summit; the highest part or top of something, particularly one forming a point – The apex of an Egyptian pyramid is different from a Mayan pyramid.

Broadband – a dynamic transmission system that uses a broader range of frequencies, which enables a big chunk of messages to be communicated at the same time – Although she doesn’t have wireless Internet, she has a broadband connection.

Butterfly effect / Chaos theory – the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a compound system can have great effects elsewhere – The phrase ‘Butterfly Effect’ refers to the likelihood that very small, seemingly insignificant changes (such as a butterfly flapping its wings) might create large, unexpected events elsewhere.

Computer literacy – level of knowledge with the basic hardware and software (and now Internet) concepts that lets a person to use computers for data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic communications – Nowadays most company want people with computer literacy.

Consciousness – the state of being aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings – The patient had regained consciousness this afternoon.

Coordination – the association of the different components of a complex body or actions so as to enable them to team up efficiently – The app’s coordination with other software is remarkable.

Creativity – the utilization of imagination or original ideas to generate something; inventiveness – The professor admired the creativity that prevailed among the group of young scientists.

Database/ databank – a structured set and mainly a very large sum of data held in a computer, particularly one that is accessible in different ways – The log in the organization’s database/databank by outsiders is illegal.

Device/ tech gadget – a thing made or adapted for a particular reason, mainly a piece of automatic or electronic gear – This particular device/ tech gadget can easily access your smartphone to track your location.

Digital – a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic – The report shows that acidity of soil in that region was caused by acid rain.

Discover – find out something or some place for the first time – The team of astrophysicists discovered a new comet recently.

Domino effect – also known as chain reaction, is the cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events – The successful implementation of the project will create a positive domino effect and gradually develop the area.

Evidence – proof of something or some action – There are hundreds of scientific evidences to prove that the device did not work appropriately.

Experiment – a scientific process taken on making a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact – The Company had to shut down their experiment on monkeys to obey the ruling.

Furnace – an enclosed structure in which material can be heated to very high temperatures, e.g. for smelting metals – This furnace is used for producing lead.

Genetically modified – (of an organism or crop) containing genetic substances that has been synthetically altered so as to create a desired trait – There was controversial debate over the utilization of genetically modified crops.

Harness – a piece of equipment with straps and belts, used to control or hold in place a person, animal, or object – She fastened the safety harness firmly round her waist prior to starting the drop.

Horizontal – parallel to the flat surface of the horizon; at right angles to the vertical – The machine had a horizontal arm fixed to a vertical shaft.

Hormone – a regulatory material formed in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate particular cells or tissues into work – The rude behaviour among some pregnant women is triggered by hormones.

Invention – creation of something – The invention of computer has changed the course of human civilization.

Mechanism – a system of parts working together in a machine – The reproductive mechanism in these special cells is remarkable.

Mediocre – of only average quality; not very good – In spite of being a mediocre student at best, Thomas had thrived on science and turned out to be the most successful biologist.

Neuroscience – the scientific study of the nervous system – She studied about neuroscience research on monkeys in her third year in the medical school.

Niche – denoting or relating to products, services, or interests that attract a tiny, specialized section of the demographics – Many people try to find their niche in the job market but fail to get that easily.

Nutrition – food or nourishment – The kittens lacked nutrition and suffered a lot.

Peripheral – on or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary; the outer area – His peripheral vision showed that an auto was trying to pass him.

Physiology – the branch of biology that handles the regular functions of living organisms and their parts – Doctors are experts in human anatomy and physiology.

Placebo-effect – An amazing phenomenon in which a placebo – a fake treatment, an inactive substance like sugar, distilled water or saline solution – can at times develop a patient’s state simply due to the person’s expectation that the medicine will be helpful – The doctor is hopeful about the patient’s quick recovery learning about the placebo-effect.

Plausible – (of an argument or statement) apparently sensible or probable – The scientists could find no plausible explanation for the disappearance of those wild-birds.

Predictable – able to be known, seen, or declared in advance – These recent diseases follow an extremely predictable pattern.

Psychology – the scientific study of the human mind and its activities, particularly those affecting behaviour in a specified context – She was a great author of human psychology and metaphysics.

Pulley – a wheel with a wavy rim around which a string passes, which changes the direction of a force applied to the string and is used to lift heavy weights – Ancient waterholes or wells did not have pulley system; so a heavy bucket was usually thrown with a firm string to collect water.

Selfie – a photograph taken by oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media – Nowadays young people like to take selfies a lot.

Space exploration – the use of astronomy and space technology to investigate outer space – Space exploration in this century has progressed way more than the last century.

Specialist – expert; a person who focuses mainly on a specific subject or activity; a person extremely skilled in a particular and restricted field – Younan Nowzaradan is an Iranian-American vascular surgery specialist.

Stimulate – raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in (the body or any biological system) – Some free-hand exercise may stimulate your muscles.

Surveillance – close observation; careful watching – The Chief of Police has assigned a surveillance team in the red-light areas.

Systematically – according to a fixed plan or system; methodically – Computers will scan all the data systematically every week using this software.

Techie – a person who is expert in or enthusiastic about technology, especially computing – My cousin is a techie and he specialized in graphic design.

Technophobe – a person who fears, dislikes, or avoids new technology – Hannah is a technophobe and so she’s not going to attend the digital conference.

Trait – a distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically one belonging to a person – They examined every trait of the selected persons.

Trigger – cause (a device) to function – He accidentally triggered the alarm.

Upgrade – develop (something) to a higher standard, especially (equipment or machinery) by adding or replacing components – The company has upgraded its software to control the robotics department better.

Vertical – standing or pointing directly up or at an angle of 90° to a horizontal surface or line – He placed the apples on the top of a vertical wall.

Website – a set of related web pages positioned under a single domain name – www.ieltsdeal.com is a website related to the IELTS course.

Weight – a measure of the heaviness of an object – After doing some exercise for a week his weight became perfect. 

Wireless – using radio, microwaves, etc. (instead of wires or cables) to transmit signals – Wireless internet is not available in many places up till now.

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Crime and Punishment’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Environment’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Education’

Click here for vocabulary list on ‘Pandemic/epidemic/medical crisis’

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