| atom |
the smallest possible unit of a chemical element. The major parts of atoms contain protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are the basis of all matter in the universe. [1/2 definitions] |
| background |
all of a person's experience, education, and origins. [1/2 definitions] |
| bacteria |
microscopic organisms that often play a role in the decay of living things, the process of fermentation, and sometimes in causing disease. Bacteria are each made up of only one cell, but different kinds of bacteria can take different shapes. These organisms live in all parts of the earth including oceans, deserts, glaciers, hot springs, and in the bodies of most living things. While some kinds of bacteria are dangerous, most kinds are useful because they help in the digestion of food, in the making of soil, in the creation of medicines, and in many other natural processes. |
| bacterium |
singular form of "bacteria." Bacteria are tiny living things made up of one cell each. Bacteria live in most living things and in all parts of the earth. Most bacteria are useful to people, but some are harmful because they can cause disease. |
| balanced |
having all elements in the appropriate amounts. [1/2 definitions] |
| BASIC |
a beginning computer language. BASIC stands for "beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code." |
| basis |
something that supports and is needed by all the other parts; starting point or foundation. |
| beset |
to attack from all sides; besiege. |
| besiege |
to surround or attack from all sides with questions or doubts. [1/2 definitions] |
| best |
better than all others in quality or ability. [2/6 definitions] |
| blackout |
the loss or hiding of all the lights of a city or region. Cities may have blackouts because of power failures. [1/2 definitions] |
| black sheep |
one who is very different from all the rest of his or her family and who is sometimes rejected or looked down on by that family. |
| blight |
a plant disease that destroys parts or all of a plant. [1/3 definitions] |
| body |
all the physical material that makes up a person or animal, including limbs, organs, tissue, and other parts. [1/5 definitions] |
| boot |
a covering for the foot and all or some of the leg. Boots are usually made of leather or rubber. [1/4 definitions] |
| boxcar |
a railroad car that is enclosed on all sides. It is used for carrying freight. |
| bug |
an insect with front wings that are thick at the base and thin at the tip. There are many kinds of bugs. All have mouths made for sucking, and most feed on plants. [1/6 definitions] |
| Canis Major |
a constellation in the northern sky that contains Sirius, the brightest of all stars. Canis Major means "Big Dog" in Latin. |
| carbon |
a chemical element found in all living things. Pure carbon occurs as diamond or graphite. It is also often found in compounds with other elements. (symbol: C) |
| cat1 |
any of the larger wild animals related to the kind of cat kept as a pet. Tigers, lions, and bobcats are all cats. Cats are carnivorous mammals. [1/2 definitions] |
| center |
the point that is the same distance from all points on the outside line or surface of something; exact middle. [1/7 definitions] |