150+ Science Words that Start With Q: Explore Science in a Fun Way

Science is full of fascinating terms, and words starting with Q are no exception. They appear across physics, chemistry, biology, and more.

From quantum particles to quarks and quaternary structures, Q-words help explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way. This list covers 150+ science words starting with Q for students, teachers, and curious minds alike.

Physics Science Words That Start With Q

Physics studies matter, energy, force, and motion. These Q words are commonly used in physical science topics.

Word	Meaning
Quantum	Smallest unit of energy or matter
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quasiparticle	Collective excitation in a material
Quenching	Rapid cooling to change properties
Quadrature	Phase difference of 90 degrees
Quasi-static	Slowly changing process in physics
Quiescent	State of being inactive or at rest
Quantization	Process of restricting values to discrete levels
Quasi-periodic	Almost repeating in a pattern
Quadrupole	System with four poles or charges
Quality factor	Measure of energy loss in oscillations
Quorum sensing	Detection of particle density in physics experiments

Chemistry Science Words That Start With Q

Chemistry focuses on substances, reactions, and atomic structures. These Q words appear in chemical concepts and labs.

Word	Meaning
Quinone	Organic compound in chemical reactions
Quaternary ammonium	Compound with nitrogen and four organic groups
Quench	Stop a chemical reaction quickly
Quasi-crystal	Solid with ordered but non-repeating structure
Quinol	Type of aromatic compound
Quinine	Alkaloid used to treat malaria
Quaternary carbon	Carbon attached to four other carbons
Quasi-stable	Nearly stable chemical state
Quicksilver	Mercury, a liquid metal
Quinoid	Ring structure in organic chemistry
Quantitative analysis	Measurement of chemical amounts
Quaternary structure	Protein shape formed by multiple chains

Biology Science Words That Start With Q

Biology explores living organisms and life processes. These Q words relate to structure, behavior, and evolution.

Word	Meaning
Quorum sensing	Communication between microorganisms
Quadriceps	Large muscle at the front of the thigh
Quail	Small ground bird
Quagga	Extinct zebra species
Quercetin	Plant pigment with antioxidant properties
Quahog	Type of hard-shell clam
Quorum	Minimum number needed for a group response
Quadrifoliate	Having four leaves
Quillwort	Aquatic plant with quill-like leaves
Quiescence	Dormant or resting state of cells
Quasiparasite	Organism partially dependent on a host
Quarantine	Isolation to prevent disease spread

Math Science Words That Start With Q

Math is essential to science for calculations and measurements. These Q-based math terms are widely used.

Word	Meaning
Quadratic	Polynomial of degree two
Quadrilateral	Four-sided polygon
Quadrature	Method of measuring area
Quaternion	Set of numbers used in 3D rotation
Quotient	Result of division
Quadrivium	Four classical subjects including math
Quadrangle	Four-sided plane figure
Quasilinear	Almost linear in behavior
Quadriceps formula	Geometry or algebra formula related to quadrilaterals
Quadrifolium	Four-lobed curve in geometry
Quasi-random	Sequence that is nearly random
Quantile	Value dividing data into equal parts

Life Science Words That Start With Q

Life science includes plants, animals, and ecosystems. These words help explain living systems.

Word	Meaning
Quercus	Genus of oak trees
Quail	Small bird species
Quahog	Type of edible clam
Quarantine	Isolation to prevent disease spread
Quinoa	Edible grain plant
Quorum sensing	Cell-to-cell communication in organisms
Quadruped	Four-legged animal
Quagga	Extinct zebra species
Quiescence	Dormant or resting state
Quill	Hollow sharp structure (feather or porcupine)
Quicklime	Calcium oxide used in agriculture
Quassia	Bitter plant extract

Environmental Science Words That Start With Q

Word	Meaning
Quagmire	Soft, muddy area
Quarry	Place where rocks or minerals are extracted
Quota	Limit on resource use
Quarantine	Isolation to protect environment or species
Quicksand	Loose, wet sand that traps objects
Quiver tree	Type of succulent tree
Quality index	Measure of environmental quality
Quoll	Carnivorous marsupial
Quaternary period	Geological time period
Quenching	Reducing pollution or heat
Quaking aspen	Type of tree with trembling leaves
Quenchable emissions	Pollutant gases that can be reduced

Earth Science Words That Start With Q

Word	Meaning
Quicksand	Loose, wet sand that can trap objects
Quartz	Common mineral made of silicon dioxide
Quarry	Place where rocks are mined
Quaternary	Most recent geological period
Quake	Earthquake
Quasicrystal	Solid with ordered but non-repeating structure
Quicksilver	Mercury, naturally occurring metal
Quiver	Minor shaking of ground or rocks
Quench	Cool molten rock or lava quickly
Quadrangle	Four-sided land area or map region
Quaternary glaciation	Ice ages during Quaternary period
Quiescent volcano	Dormant volcano

4th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Queen	Female insect or animal that leads colony
Quilt	Layered fabric or material
Quack	Sound of a duck
Quick	Fast or rapid
Question	Inquiry or problem to solve
Quill	Hollow sharp feather
Quasar	Bright celestial object
Quarter	One-fourth part of something
Quiz	Short test or question set
Quench	Satisfy thirst or stop a reaction
Quotation	Repeating someone’s words
Quartz	Common mineral

5th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quasar	Bright celestial object
Quantum	Smallest unit of matter or energy
Quench	Stop chemical reaction
Quadrant	Quarter of a circle
Quicksilver	Mercury
Quorum	Minimum number for decision-making
Quill	Feather or sharp spine
Quarantine	Isolation to prevent disease
Quiescent	Resting or inactive state
Quaternary	Geological time period
Quadrilateral	Four-sided polygon

6th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quantum	Smallest unit of energy
Quasiparticle	Collective excitation in a material
Quicksilver	Mercury
Quench	Stop chemical reaction quickly
Quaternary	Most recent geological period
Quiescence	Resting or inactive state
Quadrupole	System with four poles
Quasi-static	Slowly changing process
Quantal	Related to discrete energy levels
Quorum sensing	Cell communication in organisms
Quicksand	Loose sand that traps objects

7th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quantum	Smallest unit of energy or matter
Quasiparticle	Collective excitation in materials
Quaternary	Geological period
Quench	Rapid cooling or stopping a reaction
Quiescent	Dormant or inactive state
Quadrupole	System with four poles
Quasi-periodic	Nearly repeating pattern
Quasistatic	Slowly changing system
Quantal	Energy in discrete units
Quorum	Minimum number for decision-making
Quicksilver	Mercury

8th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Quantum	Smallest unit of matter or energy
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quasiparticle	Collective excitation in a material
Quicksilver	Mercury
Quench	Rapidly stop a process
Quaternary	Most recent geological period
Quiescent	Resting or inactive state
Quasi-stable	Almost stable state
Quadrupole	System with four poles
Quantal	Energy in discrete units
Quorum sensing	Communication among cells
Quasi-periodic	Almost repeating pattern

9th Grade Science Words With Q

Word	Meaning
Quantum	Smallest unit of energy or matter
Quark	Fundamental particle in physics
Quasiparticle	Collective excitation in materials
Quicksilver	Mercury
Quench	Rapidly stop a reaction
Quaternary	Most recent geological period
Quiescent	Dormant or inactive state
Quasi-periodic	Almost repeating pattern
Quantal	Energy in discrete units
Quorum	Minimum number for group decisions
Quasi-crystal	Solid with non-repeating order
Quadrupole	System with four poles

Final Thoughts

Exploring these science words starting with Q gives you a deeper understanding of concepts across physics, chemistry, biology, and more. Learning them can boost your vocabulary, improve classroom performance, and make science more fun and engaging for everyone.

Start using these Q-words in your studies and daily discussions today. Challenge yourself to remember their meanings, share them with friends, and explore how they appear in real-world science. Your knowledge can grow faster, and curiosity will always lead to exciting discoveries.