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There’s no original isiZulu word for dinosaur. Germs are called amagciwane, but there are no separate words for viruses or bacteria. A quark is ikhwakhi (pronounced kwa-ki); there is no term for red ...

We all do our best to be accurate, responsible users of the English language, but despite our best intentions, we’ve all had the occasional slip up ("literally" or "ironic", anyone?) It's particularly ...

One thing nerds like to argue about is what nerds are allowed to argue about. If you agree to stipulate that science fiction is often one of those things—and, hey, we could argue about that—then a ...

The new online Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction probes the speculative corners of the lexicographic universe. By Jennifer Schuessler “Warp speed” may be a term of the moment, thanks to the ...

Like fashion fads, climate-science words rise and fall in popularity, finds a new study. And how frequently these scientific words, such as biodiversity and paleoclimate, filter out of journals and ...

Editor’s note: This post first appeared on Carl Cheo’s website. We’ve republished it here with his permission. To make learning more fun and interesting, here’s a list of important computer science ...

Many phrases and words have different meanings in science than they do when spoken by the general public. Some scientists argue that the misunderstood terms should simply be replaced, but that just ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Vampire bats could soon swarm the United States. Reading this ...

To his peers in Shiprock, New Mexico, he was known as “the detective.” As a kid, he was always asking questions, wondering how things worked and why. “That’s probably where (my love of science) ...