120 Science Words That Start With Y

Science vocabulary grows with each grade level, and exploring science words that start with y helps students understand key concepts across different fields.

Below, we have 15 science words for each grade level, organized into tables with simple meanings.

4th Grade science words that start with y :

Word	Meaning
Yolk	Yellow part of an egg, rich in nutrients.
Yam	A starchy root vegetable.
Yew	A long-lived tree, often evergreen.
Yeast	A microorganism used in baking and fermentation.
Yellowfin	A species of tuna fish.
Yard	Unit of length in measurements (3 feet).
Yarrow	A flowering plant used in medicine.
Yellowjacket	A type of wasp.
Yearling	An animal in its second year.
Yak	A large, long-haired ox from the Himalayas.
Yellowtail	A species of fish commonly found in oceans.
Yoke	A device used to join animals together for pulling loads.
Yucca	A plant found in deserts, known for its sword-like leaves.
Youth	The early stage of an organism’s life.
Yaffle	The sound made by a woodpecker.

5th Grade science words that start with y :

Word	Meaning
Yeast	Fungus used in fermentation.
Yolk Sac	Provides nutrients to developing embryos.
Yellowcake	Uranium concentrate used in nuclear fuel production.
Yew Tree	Long-lived tree species with toxic berries.
Y Chromosome	Male sex-determining chromosome in DNA.
Yttrium	A chemical element used in electronics and lasers.
Yellowfin	A type of tuna found in warm oceans.
Ytterbium	A rare earth element used in high-tech devices.
Year	Time it takes for Earth to orbit the sun.
Yield	The output of a chemical or agricultural process.
Yule Log	Traditionally burned during winter solstice, symbolizes warmth.
Yarn	Spun fiber used in making fabrics.
Yawning	Involuntary action, often from fatigue.
Yolk Membrane	A thin layer surrounding the yolk in an egg.
Yucca Plant	A plant species found in arid regions.

6th Grade science words that start with y :

Word	Meaning
Ytterbium	A rare earth metal used in lasers.
Yield	The efficiency or output of a process, like crop yield.
Yolk	Nutrient-rich part of an egg.
Yaw	Rotation around a vertical axis in physics.
Yeast	A fungus used in brewing and baking.
Yew	A tree with medicinal properties.
Yttrium	A chemical element used in ceramics and electronics.
Yellowcake	Uranium ore used for nuclear power.
Yawning	A reflex action, often due to tiredness.
Y-axis	The vertical axis in a graph.
Young’s Modulus	A measure of a material’s stiffness.
Yolk Sac	The part of an embryo providing nutrients.
Yersinia	A genus of bacteria that includes the plague-causing pathogen.
Yellowtail	A species of fish used for food.
Yucatan	A region known for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

7th Grade science words that start with y :

Word	Meaning
Yarkovsky Effect	A small force that affects asteroids due to solar radiation.
Young’s Modulus	A measure of the stiffness of a material.
Yolk Sac	Structure providing nutrients to embryos.
Yttrium	A rare earth element used in lasers.
Yield Strength	The stress at which a material begins to deform.
Yaw	Rotation of an object around its vertical axis.
Yaw Stability	Stability of an object as it moves through the air.
Y Chromosome	The male sex-determining chromosome.
Yew Tree	A tree known for its strong, flexible wood.
Yeast Infection	A fungal infection caused by yeast.
Yersinia Pestis	The bacterium responsible for the plague.
Yellow Fever	A viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
Yolk Proteins	Proteins found in the yolk, crucial for embryo development.
Yew Poisoning	Poisoning caused by eating parts of the yew tree.
Yellowstone	A national park known for geothermal activity.

8th Grade science words that start with y :

Word	Meaning
Y Chromosome	The male sex chromosome, determining genetic traits.
Yttrium Oxide	Compound used in phosphors for LED displays.
Yolk Membrane	Membrane surrounding the yolk in an egg.
Young’s Double Slit Experiment	A famous experiment demonstrating light wave behavior.
Yersinia	A genus of bacteria responsible for several diseases.
Yield Curve	In physics and economics, a graph showing output over time.
Yaws	A tropical infection affecting skin and bones.
Yellowcake	Uranium concentrate used in nuclear energy production.
Yew Poisoning	Poisoning from ingesting parts of the yew tree.
Yttrium	A rare metal used in various high-tech applications.
Yaw	Rotation around a vertical axis in mechanics.
Young’s Modulus	Measurement of material stiffness.
Yellow Fever	A disease spread by mosquitoes in tropical regions.
Y-coordinate	A mathematical term for a point’s position on the Y-axis.
Yellowstone	A national park, home to geothermal features and wildlife.

science words that start with y (By Subject Area)

Biology :

Word	Meaning
Y Chromosome	The male sex-determining chromosome in DNA.
Yolk Sac	Provides nutrients to developing embryos.
Yersinia	A genus of bacteria causing illnesses like the plague.
Yeast	A fungus used in fermentation and baking.
Yellow Fever	A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes.
Yew	A tree with medicinal properties.
Yolk Membrane	A membrane surrounding the yolk in an egg.
Yellowjacket	A type of wasp known for aggressive behavior.
Yolk	Nutrient-rich part of an egg.
Yawning	An involuntary reflex often linked to fatigue.
Yersinia Pestis	Bacteria responsible for the plague.
Yaws	A skin infection caused by a bacterium.
Yellowtail	A type of fish consumed as food.
Yolk Proteins	Proteins in an egg yolk crucial for development.
Yew Poisoning	Toxicity from consuming parts of the yew tree.

Chemistry :

Word	Meaning
Yttrium	A chemical element used in electronics and lasers.
Yellowcake	Uranium concentrate used in nuclear energy.
Yttrium Oxide	A compound used in making ceramics and LEDs.
Yield	The output from a chemical process or reaction.
Ytterbium	A rare earth element used in scientific instruments.
Ytterbium-169	A radioactive isotope used in cancer treatment.
Yaw Stability	A term in physics for the stability of rotating objects.
Yolk Lipids	Fats found in egg yolks.
Y-coordinate	A mathematical term for points on the Y-axis in graphs.
Ylide	A neutral molecule used in organic chemistry.
Yb (Ytterbium)	A symbol for the element Ytterbium.
Yellow Lead Chromate	A pigment used in paints.
Yeast Fermentation	A process that converts sugars into alcohol.
Yield Strength	The point at which a material deforms under stress.
Yellow Phosphorus	A chemical used in making fertilizers.

maths/physics :

Term	Definition
Y-axis	The vertical line on a graph.
Yaw Stability	Stability of an object as it moves through air or space.
Yield Curve	A graph showing the relationship between interest rates and time.
Y-coordinate	The vertical position of a point on a graph.
Young’s Double Slit	An experiment showing the wave-particle nature of light.
Yaw Rate	The speed of rotation around an object’s vertical axis.
Yarkovsky Effect	A force on asteroids due to heat radiation.
Yawing	Deviation of an object from its vertical axis.
Yaw Control	Managing rotation around the vertical axis, especially in aircraft.
Yb (Ytterbium)	The symbol for the chemical element ytterbium.
Yield Strength	The stress needed to permanently deform a material.
Yoke	A device joining two animals for pulling, often used in farming.
Yield Stress	The amount of stress a material can take before deforming.

Quick Quiz: Science Words Starting With Y

1. What is the vertical axis on a graph called?
   • Answer: Y-axis
2. What is the nutrient-rich part of an egg?
   • Answer: Yolk
3. Which chemical element has the symbol Y?
   • Answer: Yttrium
4. What microorganism is used in fermentation?
   • Answer: Yeast
5. What material property is measured by Young’s Modulus?
   • Answer: Stiffness
6. What term describes the force affecting asteroids due to heat radiation?
   • Answer: Yarkovsky Effect

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring science words starting with Y enriches our understanding of various scientific disciplines, from biology to physics and mathematics. Each term plays a crucial role in its respective field, enhancing our vocabulary and comprehension.

From fundamental concepts like yolk and yeast in biology to essential measurements like Young’s Modulus and the yaw rate in physics, these words not only serve as building blocks for scientific language but also deepen our appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world.

By incorporating these terms into educational content, students can enhance their vocabulary while gaining valuable insights into scientific principles. Engaging with quizzes and interactive learning helps reinforce knowledge and makes the learning process enjoyable.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply a curious mind, understanding these science terms can elevate your scientific literacy and inspire a lifelong interest in the sciences. Continue exploring, learning, and expanding your vocabulary as you delve deeper into the fascinating world of science.