Discover over 250 science words that start with Y, covering topics from earth, life, and space sciences to computer and environmental studies. Perfect for students, educators, and curious minds.
This article explains a wide range of science words starting with Y in simple, easy-to-understand language. Each section focuses on different fields, including earth, life, space, physical, environmental, and computer sciences. You will also find words suitable for various school grades and for kids, complete with meanings and examples.
Earth Science Words That Start With Y
Earth science studies the structure, composition, and processes of the Earth. Here are 20 important terms starting with Y.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yardang | A streamlined rock formation shaped by wind erosion |
| Yellowcake | Uranium concentrate powder used in nuclear fuel |
| Ypresian | An epoch in the Early Eocene period |
| Yawning Fault | A wide or opening fault in the Earth’s crust |
| Yttrium | A rare earth element found in certain minerals |
| Yucca | A genus of plants common in arid regions |
| Yoldia | A genus of bivalve mollusks found in sediments |
| Young Earth | Concept of the Earth being geologically young |
| Ypres | Location of notable geological formations |
| Yukon River | A major river in North America |
| Yamal Peninsula | Arctic region with permafrost and gas deposits |
| Yield Stress | Maximum stress that a material can withstand before deformation |
| Ytterbite | Rare mineral containing yttrium |
| Yellow Sand | Fine-grained sand rich in iron oxides |
| Yunnan Plate | Geological plate in Southeast Asia |
| Yabby | Freshwater crustacean found in Australian rivers |
| Yedoma | Ice-rich permafrost deposits in Siberia |
| Yuletide Sediments | Seasonal deposition layers in lakes |
| Ytterbium | Chemical element used in Earth studies |
| Yarra River | River in Victoria, Australia with geological significance |
Environmental Science Words That Start With Y
Environmental science examines human impact on the planet. Here are 20 words starting with Y relevant to this field.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yield | Amount of crop or resource produced |
| Yard Waste | Organic waste like leaves and grass |
| Yellow Pollution | Air pollution causing yellowish haze |
| Young Forest | Forest in early stages of growth |
| Yttrium Contamination | Presence of yttrium in soil or water |
| Yaw | Side-to-side movement affecting structures or vehicles |
| Yellowstone Ecosystem | Diverse ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park |
| Yare | Quick to respond to environmental changes |
| Yeast Decomposition | Breakdown of organic material by yeast |
| Yabby Farming | Sustainable farming of freshwater crustaceans |
| Yttrium Mining | Mining activities for yttrium extraction |
| Yard Irrigation | Watering yards for environmental management |
| Yield Stress | Limits in materials under environmental forces |
| Yellow Fever | Disease affecting wildlife and humans |
| Yulan Tree | Tree species studied for ecological impact |
| Yucca Plants | Important in desert ecosystems |
| Yaw Rate | Measurement in environmental engineering |
| Yedoma Deposits | Carbon-rich permafrost affecting climate |
| Yaw Stability | Important in wind turbine design |
| Young Soil | Recently formed or cultivated soil |
Computer Science Words That Start With Y
Computer science explores algorithms, data, and systems. Here are 20 terms starting with Y.
| Word | Meaning |
| YAML | Data serialization language used in programming |
| YACC | Yet Another Compiler Compiler |
| Yahoo | Early web search engine and company |
| Yottabyte | Extremely large unit of digital information |
| Y2K | Year 2000 computer bug issue |
| YUI | Yahoo User Interface library |
| YARN | Yet Another Resource Negotiator in Hadoop |
| Y86 | Educational computer architecture model |
| Yellow Code | Debugging or alert code in programming |
| Yotta | Prefix for 10^24 in computing |
| YANG | Data modeling language for networking |
| YouTube API | Interface to interact with YouTube data |
| YAML Parser | Tool to read YAML files |
| Y-Combinator | Functional programming concept |
| Y-Cache | Specialized caching method |
| YUV | Color encoding system for video |
| YottaSec | Security term for very large data |
| YottaHash | Large-scale cryptographic hash |
| Yield Function | Function to produce values iteratively |
| YottaCloud | Cloud computing at massive scale |
Physical Science Words That Start With Y
Physical science focuses on non-living systems, physics, and chemistry. Here are 20 words starting with Y.
| Word | Meaning |
| Young’s Modulus | Measure of elasticity of a material |
| Yttrium | Chemical element used in physics experiments |
| Yield Point | Stress point at which a material begins to deform |
| Yaw | Rotation about a vertical axis |
| Yttrium Oxide | Compound used in optics and electronics |
| Yellow Light | Visible light wavelength in spectrum |
| Ytterbium | Rare earth element in lasers |
| Yaw Angle | Rotation in aircraft or vehicles |
| Yoke | Device linking two rotating parts |
| Yttrium Aluminium Garnet | Crystal used in lasers |
| Yaw Control | System controlling angular movement |
| Young Table | Reference data table in physics |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet | Material with magnetic properties |
| Yield Strength | Maximum stress material can handle |
| Yaw Sensor | Sensor detecting rotation angle |
| Yttrium Fluoride | Optical material in physics |
| Yaw Rate | Angular velocity measurement |
| Yellowcake | Uranium compound in energy production |
| Ytterbite | Mineral containing yttrium |
| Yearly Variation | Annual measurement differences |
Life Science Words That Start With Y
Life science studies organisms, biology, and living systems. Here are 20 words starting with Y.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yeast | Single-celled fungus used in baking and fermentation |
| Yolk | Nutrient-rich part of an egg |
| Yew | Coniferous tree species |
| Yersinia | Genus of bacteria causing disease |
| Yellow Fever | Viral disease affecting humans |
| Yabby | Freshwater crayfish |
| Yolk Sac | Membrane in embryos for nutrient transfer |
| Young Organism | Organism in early developmental stage |
| Yunnan Hackberry | Tree species in biodiversity studies |
| Yolk Protein | Protein in eggs for embryonic growth |
| Yersiniosis | Infection caused by Yersinia bacteria |
| Yule Cat | Folklore animal used in ecological studies |
| Yarrow | Medicinal plant |
| Yellowtail | Type of fish studied in aquaculture |
| Yawning | Biological process of opening the mouth wide |
| Yolk Platelets | Cellular structures storing yolk nutrients |
| Yabby Pond | Habitat for freshwater crustaceans |
| Yeast Cell | Single unit of yeast organism |
| Young Shoot | New plant growth |
| Yolk Membrane | Protective layer surrounding yolk |
Space Science Words That Start With Y
Space science focuses on astronomy, planets, and celestial phenomena. Here are 20 words starting with Y.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yellow Dwarf | Small main-sequence star like the Sun |
| Yarkovsky Effect | Force affecting asteroid orbits |
| Yerkes Observatory | Astronomical observatory in Wisconsin |
| Yottaelectronvolt | Unit of energy for cosmic particles |
| Young Star | Newly formed star in stellar nursery |
| Yttrium Star | Hypothetical star with yttrium-rich composition |
| Year | Time for Earth to orbit the Sun |
| Yagi Antenna | Directional antenna used in space communication |
| Yottameter | Extremely large distance measurement |
| Yerkes Galaxy | Galaxy studied at Yerkes Observatory |
| Yellow Supergiant | Large star with yellow color |
| Yaw in Orbit | Rotation of a satellite around vertical axis |
| Yttrium Nebula | Nebula with yttrium elements |
| Young Cluster | Group of newly formed stars |
| Yerkes Spectrograph | Device for astronomical spectroscopy |
| Yottajoule | Energy unit used in astrophysics |
| Yerkes Telescope | Large telescope used for research |
| Young Planet | Newly formed planet around a star |
| Yellow Hypergiant | Extremely massive, bright star |
| Yerkes Catalogue | List of celestial objects |
AP Environmental Science Words That Start With Y
For AP Environmental Science students, these 20 terms starting with Y are essential.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yield | Agricultural or resource output |
| Yard Waste | Organic waste from gardens |
| Yellowstone Ecosystem | Major research ecosystem |
| Yaw Rate | Measurement of rotation in machinery |
| Yttrium Mining | Extraction of rare earth elements |
| Young Forest | Early-stage forest |
| Yedoma | Ice-rich permafrost deposit |
| Yucca | Desert plant studied in ecology |
| Yellow Pollution | Air pollution with yellow haze |
| Yaw Control | Device for controlling rotation |
| Yeast Decomposition | Biological decomposition process |
| Yard Irrigation | Watering methods for sustainability |
| Yield Stress | Maximum stress before material fails |
| Yellowcake | Uranium powder in environment studies |
| Yule Tree | Seasonal tree used in ecological studies |
| Yabbies | Freshwater crustaceans for study |
| Yaw Stability | Stability in wind energy systems |
| Yunnan Plateau | Geological and environmental region |
| Yaw Sensor | Sensor detecting rotation angles |
| Young Soil | Newly formed or cultivated soil |
Science Words That Start With Y for Kids
Simple science words for kids help introduce basic concepts. Here are 20 easy ones.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yak | Large animal found in Himalayas |
| Yarn | Thread used in experiments for measurement |
| Yolk | Egg part providing nutrients |
| Yo-yo | Toy demonstrating physics principles |
| Yawn | Natural action for respiration |
| Yellow | Color in light and pigments |
| Yes | Affirmative in experiments or observations |
| Young | Early stage of animals or plants |
| Yard | Measurement unit or outdoor area |
| Yeti | Mythical creature in science stories |
| Yogurt | Bacteria-fermented milk product |
| Yabby | Small freshwater animal |
| Yule | Winter festival for seasonal studies |
| Yarrow | Simple plant for experiments |
| Yellowtail | Fish used in simple biology |
| Year | Time measurement for seasons |
| Yttrium | Element introduced in basic chemistry |
| Yawn Reflex | Biological process in humans |
| Yeast | Microorganism used in fermentation |
| Yurt | Shelter for cultural and environmental lessons |
Science Words That Start With Y With Meaning
This section lists general science words starting with Y with short meanings.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yttrium | Rare earth element |
| Yeast | Microorganism for fermentation |
| Yolk | Nutrient-rich egg part |
| Yellowcake | Uranium powder |
| Yardang | Wind-shaped rock formation |
| Yttrium Oxide | Chemical compound for optics |
| Young Star | Newly formed star |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet | Magnetic material |
| Yabby | Freshwater crustacean |
| Yedoma | Permafrost deposit |
| Yarkovsky Effect | Asteroid orbital effect |
| Yellowstone | Ecosystem in the US |
| Yaw | Rotation around vertical axis |
| YAML | Data format in computing |
| Yottabyte | Very large digital unit |
| Yule | Winter seasonal reference |
| Yttrium Fluoride | Optical compound |
| Yawn | Biological process |
| Young Forest | Early-stage forest |
| Yagi Antenna | Directional antenna in science |
Science Words That Start With Y 5th Grade
Words suitable for 5th graders to understand basic science concepts.
| Word | Meaning |
| Yak | Himalayan animal |
| Yolk | Egg nutrient |
| Yeast | Microorganism |
| Yawn | Biological action |
| Yard | Outdoor measurement |
| Young | Early stage |
| Yellow | Color observation |
| Yeti | Mythical creature |
| Yarrow | Simple plant |
| Yogurt | Fermented milk |
| Yo-yo | Physics toy |
| Yabby | Small animal |
| Yule | Seasonal term |
| Yttrium | Basic chemistry element |
| Year | Time unit |
| Yellowtail | Fish |
| Yule Tree | Seasonal plant |
| Yardstick | Measurement tool |
| Yule Festival | Cultural study |
| Yellow Sand | Soil observation |
Science Words That Start With Y 6th Grade
| Word | Meaning |
| Young Organism | Early stage of living being |
| Yolk Sac | Nutrient source in embryos |
| Yttrium | Rare earth element |
| Yaw Rate | Rotation measurement |
| Yabby | Freshwater crustacean |
| Yellowstone | Ecosystem study |
| Yedoma | Permafrost deposits |
| Yeast Cell | Microorganism unit |
| Yttrium Fluoride | Optical material |
| Yolk Platelets | Cell structures in eggs |
| Yarrow | Plant species |
| Yule | Seasonal observation |
| Yellow Fever | Disease affecting animals/humans |
| Yagi Antenna | Signal reception |
| Yttrium Garnet | Material in physics |
| Yolk Membrane | Protective egg layer |
| Year | Time measurement |
| Young Forest | Ecology study |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet | Magnetic material |
| Yaw Control | Stability system |
Science Words That Start With Y 7th Grade
| Word | Meaning |
| Young Star | Newly formed star |
| Yttrium | Element in chemistry |
| Yaw | Rotation around vertical axis |
| Yolk | Egg nutrient |
| Yellowstone Ecosystem | Major study area |
| Yeast | Microorganism |
| Yedoma | Ice-rich permafrost |
| Yttrium Fluoride | Optical compound |
| Yellowcake | Uranium powder |
| Yagi Antenna | Directional antenna |
| Yolk Sac | Embryonic nutrient source |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet | Magnetic material |
| Yabby | Freshwater crustacean |
| Yule | Seasonal study |
| Young Planet | Newly formed planet |
| Yttrium Garnet | Physics material |
| Yawn | Biological reflex |
| Year | Time unit |
| Yield | Agricultural output |
| Yttrium Oxide | Chemical compound |
Science Words That Start With Y 8th Grade
| Word | Meaning |
| Young Star | Newly formed star |
| Yttrium | Rare earth element |
| Yarkovsky Effect | Orbital force on asteroids |
| Yedoma | Ice-rich permafrost |
| Yellowstone | Ecosystem study |
| Yttrium Iron Garnet | Magnetic material |
| Yolk | Egg nutrient |
| Yagi Antenna | Directional antenna |
| Yellowcake | Uranium compound |
| Yttrium Fluoride | Optical material |
| Yaw | Rotation around vertical axis |
| Young Planet | Newly formed planet |
| Year | Time measurement |
| Yeast | Microorganism |
| Yttrium Garnet | Physics material |
| Yule | Seasonal study |
| Yabby | Freshwater crustacean |
| Yield | Agricultural output |
| Yolk Sac | Embryonic nutrient source |
| Yellow Light | Visible spectrum light |
Final Thoughts
Exploring over 250 science words that start with Y gives you a clear understanding of important terms across all branches of science. Keep this guide handy to boost your learning and impress teachers, classmates, or anyone curious about science.
Now that you know so many science words starting with Y, start using them in your projects, essays, and daily learning. Share this list with friends or students and continue expanding your knowledge to become confident in science terminology and concepts.
