Science is full of special words that explain ideas, objects, and processes. Knowing the right science vocabulary starting with G can make learning easier and more fun Science Words Starting With G. These words appear in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and earth science. Whether you are a student, teacher, or science lover, a glossary of science words G helps you understand and remember important concepts.
The letter G covers a wide range of topics. From gravity to genetics, and from galaxy to geology, each term has its own meaning and use. This guide gives you a complete science dictionary G words list with definitions and examples. It is a helpful resource for building knowledge and improving your understanding of the natural world.
Biology Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Genetics
Study of genes and heredity
Genetics explains how traits are passed from parents to children.
Genome
Complete set of genetic material in an organism
Scientists mapped the human genome in 2003.
Gene Therapy
Treatment that changes a person’s genes to cure disease
Gene therapy may help treat inherited disorders.
Gamete
Reproductive cell, sperm or egg
The union of gametes forms a zygote.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism
Your genotype influences physical traits like eye color.
Germination
Process of a seed starting to grow
Germination begins when seeds absorb water.
Gland
Organ that makes hormones or other fluids
The thyroid gland controls metabolism.
Glycolysis
Breakdown of glucose to release energy
Glycolysis happens in the cell’s cytoplasm.
Glucose
Simple sugar used for energy in cells
The body uses glucose for fuel.
Growth Hormone
Hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction
Growth hormone levels are higher in children.
Green Algae
Plant-like organisms that live in water
Green algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
Gizzard
Muscular organ in birds that grinds food
Chickens use their gizzard to crush grains.
Gastrulation
Early stage in embryo development
Gastrulation forms the body’s basic layers.
Germ Cell
Cell that develops into a gamete
Germ cells are found in reproductive organs.
Glycoprotein
Protein with sugar attached
Glycoproteins play a role in cell signaling.
Chemistry Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gas
State of matter with no fixed shape or volume
Air is a mixture of gases.
Gas Chromatography
Technique for separating chemical mixtures
Gas chromatography identifies compounds in samples.
Gaseous State
Matter in gas form
Water vapor is the gaseous state of water.
Glycerin
Thick, sweet liquid used in products
Glycerin is used in soap making.
Glycol
Organic compound with two hydroxyl groups
Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze.
Glycoside
Compound where sugar is bound to another molecule
Some plant glycosides have medicinal uses.
Galvanic Cell
Device that produces electricity from a reaction
A battery is a type of galvanic cell.
Gibbs Free Energy
Energy available for work in a system
Negative Gibbs free energy means a reaction is spontaneous.
Gold (Element)
Precious metal with symbol Au
Gold is used in electronics and jewelry.
Germanium
Metalloid element used in electronics
Germanium is used in fiber optics.
Gravimetric Analysis
Method to measure a substance’s mass
Gravimetric analysis is used in chemistry labs.
Gas Hydrate
Solid formed from gas and water
Methane gas hydrates exist under the ocean floor.
Green Chemistry
Designing products to reduce waste and pollution
Green chemistry helps protect the environment.
Glass Transition
Change from hard to rubbery state in polymers
Plastic softens at its glass transition temperature.
Geochemical Cycle
Movement of elements through Earth systems
The carbon geochemical cycle affects climate.
Physics Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gravity
Force that attracts objects toward each other
Gravity keeps planets in orbit.
Gravitational Force
Attraction between two masses
The Moon’s gravitational force causes tides.
Gravitational Waves
Ripples in space-time from massive events
Gravitational waves were detected in 2015.
Gyroscope
Device that measures orientation
Airplanes use gyroscopes for navigation.
Gamma Radiation
High-energy electromagnetic waves
Gamma radiation comes from radioactive decay.
Gamma Rays
Short wavelength, high-energy light
The Sun emits gamma rays during solar flares.
Galvanometer
Instrument that detects electric current
A galvanometer measures small currents.
Gauge Boson
Particle that carries fundamental forces
Photons are gauge bosons for electromagnetism.
Geodesic
Shortest path between two points in curved space
Light follows a geodesic around massive objects.
G-Force
Acceleration felt as weight
Astronauts experience high g-forces during launch.
Ground State
Lowest energy level of an atom
Electrons naturally return to the ground state.
Gas Laws
Rules about pressure, volume, and temperature
Boyle’s Law is a type of gas law.
Gradient
Rate of change in a field
Temperature gradient affects weather patterns.
Glass Fiber
Strong, thin fiber made from glass
Glass fiber is used in insulation.
Gyromagnetic Ratio
Ratio of magnetic moment to angular momentum
Gyromagnetic ratio is important in MRI machines.
Astronomy Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Galaxy
Group of stars, dust, and gas
The Andromeda galaxy is closest to the Milky Way.
Galactic Cluster
Group of galaxies bound by gravity
The Virgo Cluster is a galactic cluster.
Galactic Core
Dense center of a galaxy
The Milky Way’s galactic core has a black hole.
Geosynchronous Orbit
Orbit matching Earth’s rotation
Weather satellites use geosynchronous orbit.
Geostationary Satellite
Satellite that stays over one point on Earth
TV signals are sent from geostationary satellites.
Great Red Spot
Storm on Jupiter
The Great Red Spot has lasted for centuries.
Gravitational Lensing
Bending of light by gravity
Gravitational lensing can magnify distant galaxies.
Globular Cluster
Dense group of old stars
Globular clusters orbit the Milky Way.
Galactic Halo
Outer region of a galaxy
The galactic halo contains old stars.
Gamma-ray Burst
Short, intense burst of gamma rays
Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest events in space.
Galactic Plane
Main disk of a spiral galaxy
Our solar system is near the galactic plane.
Galactic Year
Time for the Sun to orbit the galaxy
A galactic year is about 225 million years.
Giant Star
Large, bright star
Betelgeuse is a red giant star.
Gas Giant
Large planet mostly made of gas
Jupiter is a gas giant.
Gravitational Collapse
When gravity pulls matter inward
Gravitational collapse forms black holes.
Earth & Environmental Science Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Geology
Study of Earth’s structure and materials
Geology helps find mineral resources.
Geophysics
Physics of the Earth
Geophysics explores earthquakes and magnetism.
Geomorphology
Study of landforms and their processes
Geomorphology explains how mountains form.
Geochemical Cycle
Movement of elements through Earth
The water geochemical cycle includes evaporation and rain.
Geothermal Energy
Heat from Earth’s interior
Iceland uses geothermal energy for electricity.
Greenhouse Effect
Warming caused by trapped heat
The greenhouse effect affects climate change.
Ground Water
Water stored underground
Farmers use ground water for irrigation.
Glacier
Large mass of moving ice
The glacier slowly flows toward the sea.
Glacial Erosion
Wearing away of land by glaciers
Glacial erosion shapes valleys and mountains.
Gas Hydrate
Ice-like solid with gas trapped inside
Gas hydrates are found under polar oceans.
Grain Size
Size of particles in rocks or soil
Grain size affects soil drainage.
Geotechnical Engineering
Study of soil and rock for construction
Geotechnical engineers test ground stability.
Gravel
Small rock fragments
Gravel is used in road construction.
Ground Subsidence
Sinking of Earth’s surface
Pumping too much ground water causes subsidence.
Geospatial Data
Data linked to locations on Earth
Satellites collect geospatial data for maps.
Medical Science Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gastroenterology
Study of the digestive system
Gastroenterology focuses on stomach and intestine health.
Glaucoma
Eye disease causing vision loss
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve.
Graft
Tissue transplanted from one site to another
Skin grafts help burn victims heal.
Glycogen
Stored form of glucose in the body
The liver stores glycogen for energy.
Gram-positive Bacteria
Bacteria that retain crystal violet stain
Gram-positive bacteria appear purple under a microscope.
Gram-negative Bacteria
Bacteria that do not retain crystal violet stain
Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to some antibiotics.
Genetic Disorder
Disease caused by DNA changes
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder.
Gynecology
Medical field for women’s health
Gynecology covers pregnancy and reproductive care.
Botany Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gametophyte
Stage in plant life cycle producing gametes
Moss gametophytes are green and leafy.
Geotropism
Plant growth in response to gravity
Roots grow downward due to geotropism.
Guard Cell
Cell controlling leaf openings
Guard cells regulate water loss in plants.
Greenhouse
Structure for growing plants
A greenhouse protects plants from cold weather.
Grafting
Joining two plants to grow as one
Grafting is used in fruit tree farming.
Grassland
Ecosystem dominated by grasses
Grasslands are home to grazing animals.
Germplasm
Genetic material of plants
Seed banks store germplasm for future crops.
Grain
Small, hard seed of cereal plants
Wheat grain is used for flour.
Geography Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
GIS (Geographic Information System)
System for mapping and analyzing location data
GIS is used for urban planning.
Grid Reference
System to locate places on a map
The grid reference shows exact coordinates.
Gulf
Large inlet of the sea
The Gulf of Mexico borders the US and Mexico.
Geyser
Hot spring that shoots water and steam
Old Faithful is a famous geyser in Yellowstone.
Gorge
Deep, narrow valley
The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge.
Glacier Melt
Water from melting glaciers
Glacier melt feeds rivers in summer.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Satellite navigation system
GPS helps find directions anywhere in the world.
Globalization
Process linking countries economically and culturally
Globalization increases global trade and travel.
Engineering Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gear
Rotating machine part with teeth
Gears transmit power in engines.
Generator
Machine that produces electricity
A wind turbine is a type of generator.
Gradient Descent
Method to find minimum value in calculations
Gradient descent is used in AI training.
Gas Turbine
Engine powered by gas combustion
Jet planes use gas turbines.
Grounding
Connecting to the earth for safety
Electrical grounding prevents shocks.
Galvanization
Coating metal with zinc to prevent rust
Steel beams are protected by galvanization.
Gate Valve
Device to control liquid flow
A gate valve stops water in pipelines.
Gearbox
Set of gears controlling speed
The gearbox shifts a car’s transmission.
Mathematics Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Geometry
Study of shapes and sizes
Geometry covers circles, triangles, and angles.
Gradient
Slope of a line or surface
The gradient of the hill is steep.
Graph Theory
Study of networks of nodes and edges
Graph theory is used in social network analysis.
Gaussian Distribution
Bell-shaped statistical curve
Height data often follows a Gaussian distribution.
Group Theory
Study of mathematical groups
Group theory explains symmetry in physics.
Grid
Network of horizontal and vertical lines
The graph paper has a square grid.
Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
Largest number dividing two integers
The GCD of 12 and 18 is 6.
Geometric Mean
Type of average using multiplication
The geometric mean of 4 and 16 is 8.
Meteorology Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gust
Short, strong burst of wind
A gust of wind knocked over the umbrella.
Gale
Very strong wind
The gale damaged coastal houses.
Ground Fog
Fog forming near the ground
Morning ground fog reduced visibility.
Graupel
Soft hail or snow pellets
Graupel fell during the winter storm.
Greenhouse Gas
Gas that traps heat in the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas.
Global Warming
Rise in Earth’s average temperature
Global warming affects sea levels.
Gust Front
Boundary of cool air from a thunderstorm
A gust front can bring sudden wind shifts.
Growing Season
Time when plants can grow
The growing season varies by climate.
Marine Science Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
Gulf Stream
Warm ocean current
The Gulf Stream affects European climate.
Groundfish
Fish living near the ocean floor
Cod is a common groundfish.
Gill
Organ fish use to breathe
Fish take oxygen from water using gills.
Gyre
Large circular ocean current
The North Pacific Gyre collects floating plastic.
Gravel Beach
Beach covered with small stones
The gravel beach made walking difficult.
Gas Exchange
Transfer of gases between organisms and environment
Fish perform gas exchange through gills.
Giant Kelp
Large seaweed species
Giant kelp forms underwater forests.
Gray Whale
Migratory baleen whale
Gray whales travel from Alaska to Mexico.
Technology Terms Starting With G
Word
Meaning
Example
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
Processor for graphics and AI
GPUs speed up 3D rendering.
Gateway
Device that connects networks
The router acts as a gateway to the internet.
Gigabyte
Unit of digital storage
One gigabyte equals 1024 megabytes.
Grid Computing
Using many computers for one task
Grid computing used for scientific research.
Global System for Mobile (GSM)
Mobile phone network standard
GSM phones work worldwide.
Geotagging
Adding location to digital content
Photos can have geotagging data.
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Visual way to interact with software
Windows has a friendly GUI.
Gesture Recognition
Technology to detect body movements
Gesture recognition used in gaming consoles.
Science Words in the Field of Psychology
Word
Meaning
Example
Gestalt
A psychological theory emphasizing patterns and wholes in perception
The Gestalt principle explains why we see faces in clouds.
Gray Matter
Brain tissue containing nerve cell bodies involved in processing
Learning a new skill can increase gray matter in certain brain areas.
Gyrus
A ridge on the brain’s cerebral cortex
The precentral gyrus linked to motor control.
Glia
Non-neuronal brain cells that support and protect neurons
Glia cells help maintain brain function.
Gamma Waves
High-frequency brain waves associated with learning and memory
Meditation can boost gamma wave activity.
Generalization
In psychology, transferring learned responses to similar stimuli
A dog trained to sit to a bell may sit when hearing a chime due to generalization.
Genetic Psychology
Study of psychological development influenced by heredity
Genetic psychology explores how genes shape behavior.
Galvanic Skin Response
Change in skin conductance due to emotions
Lie detectors measure galvanic skin response.
Gustatory Cortex
Brain region responsible for taste perception
Damage to the gustatory cortex affects flavor recognition.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
A neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous system activity
GABA helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Conclusion
The glossary of science terms starting with G shows how one letter can cover so many ideas. From the smallest glucose molecule to the largest galaxy, each word is a doorway to deeper understanding. Use this educational science resource as a quick reference or a full learning guide.
Exploring the science vocabulary list pdf for other letters can grow your knowledge even more. Science is a language, and learning its words makes you fluent in the wonders of the universe.
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