This article lists science words that start with ‘L,’ providing a useful reference for students and enthusiasts alike.
- Lab – Short for laboratory, a place for scientific experiments.
- Label – A name or phrase given to describe a category of things.
- Lactation – The secretion of milk by the mammary glands.
- Laser – A device that generates an intense beam of coherent monochromatic light.
- Lateral – Relating to or situated at the sides.
- Latitude – The distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees.
- Lattice – A regular, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules.
- Law – A statement that describes an observable occurrence in nature.
- Laxative – A substance that induces bowel movements.
- Leaf – The flattened structure of a plant, where photosynthesis occurs.
- Leptin – A hormone that helps regulate body weight by inhibiting hunger.
- Leukocyte – A white blood cell.
- Lever – A simple machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge.
- Lexicon – The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge.
- Litmus – A dye used to test acidity or alkalinity.
- Locomotion – Movement or the ability to move from one place to another.
- Longitudinal – Running lengthwise rather than across.
- Longitude – The distance east or west of the prime meridian measured in degrees.
- Lumen – The unit of luminous flux in the International System of Units.
- Lunar – Pertaining to the moon.
- Lymph – The fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system.
- Lymphocyte – A type of white blood cell in the immune system.
- Lycopene – A red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits.
- Lysis – The destruction or disintegration of cells.
- Lysosome – An organelle containing enzymes for breaking down waste.
- Lichen – A composite organism arising from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of fungi.
- Lipid – A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, and vitamins.
- Ligament – A fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones.
- Ligand – A molecule that binds to another (usually larger) molecule.
- Light – Electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye.
- Locus – The specific location of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome.
- Logarithm – The power to which a number must be raised to obtain another number.
- Load – The weight or force that is applied to a structure or system.
- Loudness – The attribute of a sound that determines the intensity.
- Luminescence – The emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat.
- Lenticel – A small, spongy area on the surface of a plant stem, allowing gas exchange.
- Lymphoid – Relating to or denoting the tissue responsible for producing lymphocytes.
- Linseed – The seed of the flax plant, used to make linseed oil.
- Lamina – A thin layer, plate, or membrane.
- Lithium – A soft, silvery- white alkali metal.
- Limnology – The study of inland waters.
- Leaching – The removal of soluble substances from a material by percolation.
- Loop – A structure, series, or process, the end or ends of which are connected.
- Looping – The process of forming loops.
- Luminary – An object that gives light.
- Lymphoma – A type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.
- Linctus – A syrupy or sticky preparation for relieving coughs.
- Lutein – A carotenoid present in the macula of the eye.
- Lineage – Lineal descent from an ancestor.
- Linear – Consisting of or using lines.
- Liquid – A state of matter with a definite volume but no fixed shape.
- Luster – A gentle sheen or soft glow.
- Lacuna – An unfilled space or interval; a gap.
- Lethal – Sufficient to cause death.
- Lentic – Pertaining to or living in still water.
- Lethargy – A lack of energy and enthusiasm.
- Locule – A cavity within an ovary of a flower.
- Lysogeny – The integration of bacteriophage nucleic acid into the host bacterium’s genome.
- Lycophyte – A division of plants including clubmosses and their relatives.
- Lyophilization – A process to preserve perishable materials by freezing and then drying.
- Labile – Easily altered or changed.
- Laminar – Flowing in parallel layers, with no disruption.
- Ligase – An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands.
- Lithosphere – The rigid outer layer of Earth.
- Latent – Existing but not yet developed or manifest.
- Lithology – The study of the general physical characteristics of rocks.
- Lacrimal – Relating to or denoting the glands that secrete tears.
- Lactose – A sugar present in milk.
- Leverage – The exertion of force by means of a lever.
- Lymphatic – Pertaining to lymph or its secretion.
- Labial – Pertaining to the lips.
- Latitude – The angular distance of a place north or south of the earth’s equator.
- Lung – A respiratory organ.
- Lagomorph – A member of the order Lagomorpha, which includes rabbits, hares, and pikas.
- Liesegang rings – A precipitation pattern in a gel.
- Luminality – A term used in anthropology to describe the quality of ambiguity during rituals.
- Lipase – An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats.
- Lumbosacral – Relating to the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.
- Lubricity – The property of reducing friction.
- Limulus – The genus of horseshoe crabs.
- Locomotor – Relating to movement or the ability to move.
- Lactate – To secrete milk.
- Lagrangian – Relating to a function that describes the dynamics of a system.
- LIT – Low- intensity training.
- Lusterware – Pottery having an iridescent metallic glaze.
- Lymphokine – A cytokine produced by lymphocytes.
- Lexan – A type of polycarbonate resin.
- Limb – An arm or leg.
- Logjam – An impediment.
- Luminaire – A complete lighting unit.
- Lipemia – The presence of excess lipids in the blood.
- Lowry method – A biochemical assay for determining protein concentration.
- Limbic – Relating to the limbic system of the brain.
- Lyase – An enzyme that catalyzes the breaking of various chemical bonds.
- Lidar – Light Detection and Ranging, a remote sensing method.
- Lingual – Relating to the tongue.
- Lymphadenopathy – Disease affecting the lymph nodes.
- Logwood – A tree used in dyeing.
- Lenticular – Shaped like a lens.
- Lithotripsy – A procedure to break up stones in the urinary system.