Learning science words that start with P can boost your knowledge in multiple fields, from physics to biology. These words are essential for students, teachers, and curious minds alike.
This comprehensive list covers physical, earth, life, environmental, and computer science terms starting with P. Each section includes easy-to-understand meanings, tables, and examples to help you remember and use them confidently in school, exams, and daily life.
Physical Science Words That Start With P
Physical science encompasses physics and chemistry, studying matter, energy, and their interactions. Here are 15 essential physical science terms beginning with P:
| Word | Meaning |
| Photon | A particle of light or electromagnetic radiation with zero mass |
| Pressure | The force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area |
| Polymer | A large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers |
| Potential Energy | Stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition |
| Proton | A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom |
| Plasma | The fourth state of matter consisting of ionized gas with free electrons |
| Precipitation | A chemical reaction where a solid forms from a solution |
| Periodic Table | An arrangement of elements organized by atomic number and properties |
| Phase | A distinct form of matter such as solid, liquid, or gas |
| Photosynthesis | The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy |
| Particle | A minute portion of matter with defined physical properties |
| Polarity | The distribution of electric charge leading to positive and negative poles |
| Phosphorescence | The emission of light without heat after exposure to radiation |
| Propulsion | The action of driving or pushing forward using force |
| Pyrolysis | The thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures |
Earth Science Words That Start With P
Earth science studies our planet’s physical characteristics, processes, and history. These 15 terms are fundamental to understanding Earth science:
| Word | Meaning |
| Plate Tectonics | The theory explaining the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates |
| Precipitation | Water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail |
| Paleontology | The scientific study of life’s history through fossils |
| Permafrost | Ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years |
| Plateau | An elevated flat area of land raised above surrounding areas |
| Pumice | A light, porous volcanic rock formed when lava cools quickly |
| Pangaea | The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago before breaking apart |
| Pedosphere | The outermost layer of Earth composed of soil and subject to soil formation |
| Peridotite | A dense, coarse-grained igneous rock consisting mostly of olivine |
| Peninsula | A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides |
| Phanerozoic | The current geologic eon characterized by abundant animal and plant life |
| Pyroclastic | Relating to rock fragments and particles ejected by volcanic eruption |
| Permeable | The ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it |
| Petrology | The scientific study of rocks and the conditions of their formation |
| Phreatic | Relating to groundwater or aquifers beneath the Earth’s surface |
Life Science Words That Start With P
Life science explores living organisms and their vital processes. Here are 15 important life science terms starting with P:
| Word | Meaning |
| Photosynthesis | The process plants use to convert sunlight into glucose for energy |
| Protein | Large molecules made of amino acids essential for body structure and function |
| Phenotype | The observable characteristics of an organism resulting from genes and environment |
| Phylum | A major taxonomic rank in biological classification below kingdom |
| Parasite | An organism that lives on or in a host organism and benefits at the host’s expense |
| Prokaryote | A single-celled organism lacking a membrane-bound nucleus |
| Pollination | The transfer of pollen from male to female parts of flowers |
| Predator | An animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals for food |
| Placenta | An organ that develops during pregnancy providing nutrients to the fetus |
| Pathogen | A bacterium, virus, or microorganism that can cause disease |
| Phagocytosis | The process by which cells engulf and digest particles or other cells |
| Peptide | A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds |
| Physiology | The branch of biology dealing with functions of living organisms |
| Phylogeny | The evolutionary development and history of a species or organism |
| Protist | A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms including algae and protozoa |
Environmental Science Words That Start With P
Environmental science examines interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. These 15 terms are crucial:
| Word | Meaning |
| Pollution | The introduction of harmful substances into the environment |
| Photochemical Smog | Air pollution formed when sunlight reacts with pollutants like nitrogen oxides |
| Preservation | The protection of nature and natural resources from harmful activities |
| Pesticide | A chemical substance used to kill pests that damage crops |
| Permaculture | A sustainable agricultural system designed to mimic natural ecosystems |
| Population Density | The number of individuals living per unit area in a habitat |
| Potable Water | Water that is safe for drinking and cooking purposes |
| Particulate Matter | Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air |
| Primary Production | The synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide through photosynthesis |
| Pur | Pure water obtained through natural filtration or treatment processes |
| Photovoltaic | Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity |
| Phosphate | A chemical compound containing phosphorus used in fertilizers |
| Phytoremediation | The use of plants to remove pollutants from contaminated soil or water |
| Protected Area | A defined geographical space managed for conservation purposes |
| Precipitation Pattern | The distribution and frequency of rainfall over a specific region |
Computer Science Words That Start With P
Computer science encompasses the study of computers, computing, and computational systems. Here are 15 key terms:
| Word | Meaning |
| Programming | The process of creating instructions for computers to execute tasks |
| Protocol | A set of rules governing data transmission between electronic devices |
| Processor | The central processing unit that executes instructions in a computer |
| Python | A high-level, interpreted programming language known for simplicity |
| Pixel | The smallest controllable element of a picture on a display screen |
| Parameter | A variable used in a function to represent input values |
| Parsing | The process of analyzing code or text according to grammatical rules |
| Password | A secret word or phrase used to gain access to a system |
| Peripheral | An external device connected to a computer like a mouse or printer |
| Phishing | A cybercrime where targets are contacted to steal sensitive information |
| Pointer | A variable that stores the memory address of another variable |
| Port | A virtual point where network connections start and end |
| Parallel Processing | The simultaneous execution of multiple processes to increase speed |
| Partition | A logical division of a hard disk into separate sections |
| Pseudocode | An informal description of programming logic using plain language |
Science Words That Start With P With Meaning
This section provides additional science vocabulary across all disciplines, perfect for expanding your scientific knowledge:
| Word | Meaning |
| Phototropism | The growth of plants toward or away from light |
| Prism | A transparent optical element that refracts light and separates it into colors |
| Pedigree | A diagram showing genetic relationships in a family across generations |
| Punctuated Equilibrium | A theory suggesting evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by stability |
| Phospholipid | A lipid molecule forming the main component of cell membranes |
| Peristalsis | The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract |
| Parenchyma | A type of simple plant tissue with thin walls used for storage |
| Pheromone | A chemical substance produced by animals affecting behavior of others |
| Plasmid | A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria separate from chromosomal DNA |
| Pyruvate | A key molecule produced during glycolysis in cellular respiration |
| Precambrian | The earliest part of Earth’s history before the Cambrian period |
| Precipitation Reaction | A chemical reaction forming an insoluble solid from two solutions |
| Pulsar | A highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of radiation |
| Parabola | A U-shaped curve formed by graphing a quadratic equation |
| Permittivity | A measure of electric polarization in response to an electric field |
Science Words That Start With P For Kids
These 15 science words are perfect for introducing young learners to scientific concepts with age-appropriate definitions:
| Word | Meaning |
| Planet | A large round object in space that orbits around a star |
| Plant | A living thing that grows in soil and makes its own food using sunlight |
| Predator | An animal that hunts and eats other animals |
| Prey | An animal that is hunted and eaten by other animals |
| Polar | Relating to the very cold regions at the top and bottom of Earth |
| Pond | A small body of still water where plants and animals live |
| Pollen | Tiny yellow powder made by flowers that helps make new plants |
| Pupil | The black circle in the center of your eye that lets light in |
| Pulse | The regular beating feeling you can feel showing your heart is pumping |
| Petal | The colorful part of a flower that attracts insects |
| Poison | A substance that can make you sick or hurt you if you touch or eat it |
| Pattern | A design or arrangement that repeats in a regular way |
| Protect | To keep something safe from harm or danger |
| Power | The ability to do work or make things happen |
| Property | A special quality or feature that describes something |
Science Words That Start With P 5th Grade
Fifth graders encounter more complex scientific concepts. These 15 terms align with typical fifth-grade science curriculum:
| Word | Meaning |
| Photosynthesis | The process where plants make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide |
| Precipitation | Any form of water that falls from the sky including rain, snow, and hail |
| Producer | An organism that makes its own food, usually through photosynthesis |
| Property | A characteristic that describes matter such as color, shape, or texture |
| Prediction | An educated guess about what will happen based on observations |
| Particle | A very small piece of matter that makes up substances |
| Pitch | How high or low a sound is based on the frequency of vibrations |
| Potential Energy | Energy stored in an object because of its position or condition |
| Pollution | Harmful materials added to the environment that damage ecosystems |
| Population | All the organisms of one species living in a particular area |
| Prism | A clear object that bends light and separates it into rainbow colors |
| Protein | An important nutrient found in foods that helps build and repair body tissues |
| Prey | Animals that are hunted and eaten by predators in a food chain |
| Parallel Circuit | An electrical circuit with multiple paths for current to flow |
| Physical Change | A change in matter that does not create a new substance |
Science Words That Start With P 6th Grade
Sixth-grade science introduces more sophisticated concepts. Here are 15 terms appropriate for this level:
| Word | Meaning |
| Periodic Table | A chart organizing all known elements by their atomic number and properties |
| Plate Tectonics | The theory that Earth’s crust is divided into plates that move slowly |
| Punnett Square | A diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between organisms |
| Passive Transport | The movement of substances across cell membranes without using energy |
| Phylum | A major group in taxonomy ranking above class and below kingdom |
| Prokaryotic Cell | A simple cell without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles |
| Pangaea | The ancient supercontinent that existed before splitting into current continents |
| Pollination | The transfer of pollen from the male part to the female part of plants |
| Permeable | Describes a material that allows liquids or gases to pass through it |
| Prototype | An early sample or model built to test a design concept |
| Pulley | A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim for lifting loads |
| Phenotype | The visible characteristics of an organism determined by genes and environment |
| Paleontology | The study of ancient life through examination of plant and animal fossils |
| Parasite | An organism living in or on another organism and getting nutrients from it |
| Phototropism | The growth response of plants bending toward or away from light |
Science Words That Start With P 7th Grade
Seventh-grade science curriculum demands deeper understanding. These 15 terms reflect that increased complexity:
| Word | Meaning |
| Pedigree | A family tree diagram showing the inheritance of genetic traits across generations |
| Peptide Bond | The chemical bond linking amino acids together to form proteins |
| Phases of Matter | The distinct forms that matter takes: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma |
| Phospholipid | A molecule with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts that forms cell membranes |
| Pyruvate | A three-carbon molecule produced during glycolysis in cellular respiration |
| Proton | A positively charged subatomic particle located in an atom’s nucleus |
| Placenta | The organ connecting developing fetus to mother’s uterine wall for nourishment |
| Phagocytosis | The cellular process of engulfing large particles or other cells |
| Phylogenetic Tree | A branching diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species |
| Permafrost | Permanently frozen ground layer found in polar regions |
| Peristalsis | The rhythmic muscular contractions moving food through the digestive system |
| Probability | The mathematical likelihood that a particular event will occur |
| Plutonic Rock | Igneous rock formed from magma that cooled slowly beneath Earth’s surface |
| Polymer | A large molecule made of many repeating subunits called monomers |
| Proxima Centauri | The closest star to our solar system located about 4.2 light-years away |
Science Words That Start With P 8th Grade
Eighth-grade science prepares students for high school science courses. These 15 advanced terms are essential:
| Word | Meaning |
| Photon | A quantum of electromagnetic radiation carrying energy with no mass |
| Phylogeny | The evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups |
| Polymerase | An enzyme that synthesizes long chains of nucleic acids like DNA or RNA |
| Precipitation Reaction | A chemical reaction producing an insoluble solid from aqueous solutions |
| Pressure Gradient | The rate of pressure change over distance driving wind and water movement |
| Prokaryote | A microscopic single-celled organism without a membrane-enclosed nucleus |
| Punctuated Equilibrium | An evolutionary theory proposing rapid change followed by long stable periods |
| Pathogen | A biological agent like bacteria or virus causing disease in host organisms |
| Peridotite | A dense ultramafic igneous rock primarily composed of olivine and pyroxene |
| Plasmid | A small circular DNA molecule in bacteria independent of chromosomal DNA |
| Phosphorylation | The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often activating enzymes |
| Polyatomic Ion | An ion composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded acting as a single unit |
| Principle of Superposition | The law stating that in undisturbed rock layers, older layers lie beneath younger ones |
| Protista | A kingdom of diverse eukaryotic organisms including algae, protozoans, and slime molds |
| Phanerozoic Eon | The current geologic eon beginning 541 million years ago with abundant visible life |
Final Thoughts
Mastering these science words that start with P opens doors to better understanding every branch of science. Use this list to improve your vocabulary, ace your exams, and impress teachers or friends with your knowledge every single day.
Start applying these words in your daily learning and studies today. Explore, memorize, and use them in sentences, projects, or experiments. Don’t just read—practice and share this guide to make science fun, easy, and unforgettable for yourself and others.
