Glossary Word Definition Acronym A word in which each letter of the word stands for the first letter of another word. It's a short and simple way of saying something (one example would be "KID" - Kindness Is Delightful). Activated carbon A highly absorbent powdered or granular carbon that is used to purify another substance. Aerobic activity The type of exercise that gets oxygen moving in your body. When jogging, for example, your heart must work to pump oxygen-which helps your body stay healthy. Agar A nutrient solution used to grow bacteria. The solution can be made out of sugar, starch, or other nutrients depending upon the type of organism to be grown. Aggregate A clustered mass of individual soil particles. Agriculture The science of farming. Agrotourism Taking a vacation in which you stay on or near a farm and learn about farming first hand. AIDS A deadly condition that weakens an infected person's immune system so it can not defend against other infections or diseases. Alfalfa A plant that is used as a cover crop or is fed as hay to farm animals. It is also used to make foods such as tea and sprouts. Algae Simple plants found in water. Green algae is usually seen floating on top of lakes and ponds. Allelopathy When one plant affects the growth of another plant by releasing biologically active chemicals. Alpha male dog The leader of a particular group of dogs. Alternative Construction Use of nature-friendly, energy-efficient, environmentally sound, and low-impact building materials. Amino Acids The chief component of proteins which our body uses for energy and food. Amphibian A cold-blooded animal that lives both in water and on land, and must return to the water to lay its eggs. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are amphibians. Antibiotic A substance produced by a microorganism and able to inhibit the growth of or kill another microorganism. Antioxidants Substances naturally found in many fruits and vegetables that can help people remain healthy as they age, and may even fight diseases like cancer. Aphids Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that hide on plants and suck the juice out of the plants Aquaculture A farming technique of raising food in water. Aquatic Describes an animal that lives in water. Arachnid A group of insects that includes spiders, scorpions, and mites. Arachnids have four pairs of legs, no antennae, and they breathe air. Arsenic A poisonous substance often found in pesticides and weed killer. Artificial sweetener A chemical product that is used to make foods and drinks taste sweet. Asthma A condition that causes coughing and makes it hard to breathe. Bacteria Single-celled, primitive, microscopic organisms. Beneficial insects Helpful insects. Ladybugs eat insects that harm plants; honeybees pollinate flowers; tiny microscopic insects consume organic materials and help the decomposition process. Beneficial microbe A microorganism that consumes organic matter and helps with the decomposition process. Beneficials Insects or animals that help farmers and gardeners with their crops. Biennial A plant that completes its life cycle in two years. Biocide Anything that poisons or hurts plants or animals. Biodegradable Material that can break down naturally. Biological nitrogen fixation When soil bacteria connects with the roots of legume family plants. The bacteria take nitrogen from air particles in the soil and change it into useful forms of nitrogen for the plants. Biomass The amount of living things in a specific place. Biome A major ecological community type (example: grassland is one kind of biome) Bluster To talk or act with noisy, boastful threats. Bog An area of soft, spongy, wet land that is usually overgrown with grasses. Also called a marsh. By-product A substance that is produced as a result of making another product. For instance, dairy waste is an unintended result of making butter and cheese. Caffeine A substance in chocolate, coffee, tea, and some soda drinks (cola, especially). It makes your heart and blood vessels speed up, so you feel jumpy after drinking it; it also makes you go to the bathroom more often. Calcium An important mineral that keeps bones and teeth strong. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale have lots of calcium. Calorie A unit of energy in foods and drinks (or, the energy-producing value of food when oxidized in the body). Camouflage A disguise. Canola A type of grain that is popular because its oil has less saturated fat (the bad type of fat) than most other oils. Carbohydrate A nutrient found in sugars and starches (like bread and pasta) that provides energy for your body. Carbon cycle The cycle of plants taking in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and then returning it to the soil when the plant decays. Carbon dioxide Like oxygen and nitrogen, carbon dioxide is a gas that is naturally found in the air. It is heavy and colorless. When humans and animals breathe in oxygen, they breathe out carbon dioxide as a waste gas. Plants use carbon dioxide to make food through photosynthesis. Carotenoid A nutrient found in some plants that protects our bodies against heart disease, stroke, blindness, and some cancers. Casting Waste produced by worms. Castings provide nutrients for the soil, making it healthier for plant growth. Certified organic A label for food when it meets government standards for non-chemical production. Chelicerae Fang-like pincers near the mouth of a spider. The spider usually uses them to grab and stab things. Chemical Particles Any bits of matter made up of elemental (chemical) compounds. Chemical residue In the case of plants, refers to material that is left on plants after being sprayed or treated with substances designed to kill pests (pesticides) or synthetic fertilizers, etc. Cholesterol A waxy substance found in our bodies. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs, so getting too much from foods (like meats, chicken, fish, and dairy products) can cause heart disease. Chrysalis A covering that protects certain insect larvae as they change into mature insects. Circuit training A method of exercising where you move from one station to another in a certain order, doing a different exercise at each station. Clay Very, very fine rock particles far too small to see. Climate The weather at one place over a long period of time. Clover A plant in the legume family that is fed to farm animals or is used as a cover crop. Combine Machine used to harvest grain crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. Commodity A plant or animal that is bought and sold. Community Supported Agriculture The common abbreviation is CSA. People buy a share of a CSA farm before the growing season starts, and then they receive fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown foods every week throughout the season. Compacted Tightly packed. Companion planting Planting two crops together so that each will benefit from the other while growing. Compost Decaying plant and animal matter, like leaves and manure, that is used as fertilizer to make soil healthy. Composting Mixing decaying plant and animal matter, like leaves and manure, and using it as fertilizer to make soil healthy. Confrontation When groups or individuals come face to face and challenge each other. Conquistador A leader in the Spanish conquest of America, Mexico, and Peru in the 16th century Conservation Using natures resources carefully. Constitution A constitution is a formal document of rules that a person agrees to obey. Contaminate To make something unclean by polluting it with germs or chemicals. Contaminated food or water is not safe to eat or drink. Conventional farm A farm on which man-made chemicals and fertilizers are used. Conventional farming Using man-made chemicals and fertilizers when farming or gardening. Cotyledon The first 1 to 2 leaves you see when a seed begins to grow. These are also called seed leaves. Cover crop A plant that is grown in a field but is not harvested. It is planted to provide cover to the soil to prevent erosion, add organic matter, and put nutrients in the soil. Crop rotation A system of planting different crops in a field over several years. Changing the crop that is planted each year preserves the soils nutrients and keeps away harmful pests. Crops Plants that are grown to eat or use in making clothes and shelter. Cross-Pollination Transferring pollen from one flower to the stigma of another without interference from man. Crustacean Animals that mostly live in the water and have a hard exoskeleton (a hard outside). Lobsters, shrimp, crabs, barnacles, wood lice, and water fleas are crustaceans. CSA CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. People buy a share of a CSA farm before the growing season starts, and then they receive fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally grown foods every week throughout the season. Culinary Relating to the kitchen or cooking. Cultivate To prepare and care for the growth of plants. Loosening the soil is often the first step in cultivation. Cultural heritage Culture (music, art, language, etc.) that is passed down from generation to generation. ry beliefs, social acts, and traits of a specific racial, religious, or social group. Cycle One complete round. Daikon A large, long, hard, white radish that is often used in Asian meals. Database A large collection of information stored in a computer that can be used quickly and easily. Decay cycle The part of the cycle of life in which nutrients are released. (birth, life, death, decay) Deciduous A plant or tree that loses its leaves in cold weather and grows new leaves in warmer weather. Decomposers Molds, bacteria, worms, and other organisms that break down once-living materials into smaller parts. Decomposition The process of breaking down into smaller parts. Degenerated A decline from a previously better condition. Diabetes A disease in which the body has trouble processing sugar. Diaphragm A thin, flat muscle that runs along the bottom of your lungs and contracts to draw air into your lungs. Dicot A plant that has two seed leaves (cotyledons) when it begins to grow. Legumes, such as beans, and many other vegetable crops are dicots. Digestive system The parts of the body that work together to process food, including the stomach and intestines. Diversity A mixture of different living and non-living things. Dung Animal waste, or manure. Ecology The science concerned with interrelationships of organisms and their environments. Ecoregions Areas defined by the interrelationships between living things and their environment (their natural home). Ecosystem An area where plants, animals, and insects live and interact together. Ecotourism Taking a vacation in which you learn something about the environment and its wildlife, usually with guidance from an expert who knows the area. Eczema A skin problem that causes itching and redness of the skin. Edamame Soybeans that are harvested while young, so they stay green and soft. Edamame is usually eaten as a snack right out of the pod, and is also called "vegetable soybean." Effluent Waste material, such as smoke or sewage, that is discharged into the environment. Emission-free Lacking an output of substances released into the air. The exhaust of a car is an emission; an emission-free car does not release exhaust into the air. Empty calorie Foods that contain empty calories do not supply your body with the nutrition that it needs. Eating a lot of empty calories will make you gain weight. Emulsifier A substance that keeps oil and water from separating in food. Endemic Belonging to (or peculiar to) a particular region or place. Endosperm The plant food that surrounds the embryo of flowering plants. Energy The source of action (light, heat, motion, sound, etc.) in the universe. Enrich To add nutrients back to a food that has lost them during processing. Entrepreneur Someone who takes responsibility for starting a business or project that makes a product or provides a service. Erosion The wearing away of soil through wind and rain. Evergreen A plant or tree that has green leaves all year round. Evergreens do not shed their leaves in fall like deciduous plants do. Evolution The change and growth of a living thing over time. Exoskeleton A hard supportive or protective structure on the outside of the body. Some types of insects, spiders, and crustaceans have exoskeletons. External Coming from outside. External inputs Things brought to a garden or farm from outside the system. Extinct No longer existing or living. Dinosaurs are extinct. Ezo-Shika deer A kind of deer that is native to Hokkaido Island in Japan. It has slightly forked antlers. Factory farming Raising large numbers of animals (usually in pens with little access to pasture) in order to produce more food with fewer costs involved. Animals can become stressed by being overcrowded and eating an improper diet so they grow more quickly than they would naturally. They are routinely given antibiotics to keep them healthy enough to survive. Chickens may have their beaks and claws clipped to prevent injury to other birds. Fallow Cultivated land that lies idle. Famine An extreme lack of food usually caused by bad weather, pests spoiling crops, or by war. Farmer's market A market where farmers sell their freshly picked fruit, vegetables, and home-made products to the public. Farmer's markets are found all over the world. Farming Systems Trial (R) A 20-year scientific experiment at The Rodale Institute comparing organic and conventional growing methods. Fauna Animals or animal life, especially animals that live in a specific region, period, or environment. Ferment Transform and break down (as when food gets old and its carbohydrates change into carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid). Fertility Soils ability to supply nutrients to plants. Fertilizer Food for plants. Fin whale A large (about 78-88 feet long) finback whale with a flat head that is found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Fitness The ability of an organism to survive and thrive. Food guide pyramid The US government's recommendation on building a healthy diet by eating a variety of foods each day. Forb An herb (other than grass) that has broad leaves and produces flowers. Forbs are often found in fields, prairies, and meadows, and are usually native to the area where they are growing. Free-range Describes a positive way of raising animals. Free-range animals are not kept in small cages - they have room to roam around freely and access to fresh air and sunshine. Fruit The part of a plant that carries and protects seeds. Fuel cell A device that changes hydrogen atoms into useful energy. Fumigant A substance used in fumigating, which means applying smoke, vapor, or gas to control pests. Fungicide A man-made chemical used to kill fungi (mushrooms, mold, bacteria, etc). Genetic engineering The science of changing an organisms naturally occuring genetic makeup. Genetically modified organism Something that has had its naturally occuring genetic makeup changed. Often called GMOs. Germ The inside of a wheat or rice kernel that is full of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Germinate The sprouting of a seed. Germination The growth of a seed. Gladiolus A popular plant with tall spikes that produce brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers. Global warming An increase in the earth’s temperature over a period of time that can eventually cause a change in climate (weather). Pollution of the earth’s atmosphere by gases like carbon dioxide can increase global warming. Glucose A simple sugar. It is the basis for cellulose, starch, and glycogen. Gluten A protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some oat products. Some peoples bodies are not able to absorb gluten, and eating foods that contain gluten makes them sick. GM (Genetically Modified) When something has had its naturally occuring genetic makeup changed. GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Something that has had its naturally occuring genetic makeup changed. Grain The seeds of crops such as corn and wheat. Green manure A crop, usually a legume, that is grown specifically to be plowed into the soil and is not harvested. Another term for cover crop. Greenhouse effect Trapping heat in the atmosphere by gasses such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Greenhouse gas A poisonous pollutant that is released into the atmosphere and contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer, resulting in a warmer surface temperature on Earth. Groundcover Plants that spread quickly to carpet the ground and need very little maintenance. Groundcovers control weeds and trap moisture in the soil. Groundwater Underground water that moves by gravity to streams, wells, and deep storage. Growth hormone Powerful chemical substances that are involved in making organisms (such as animals) mature and get older; when growth hormones are fed to cows and chickens, for example, the cow may produce more milk and the chickens may get fatter faster-but not in a natural way. Habitat The natural environment where plants and animals live. Haiku A popular type of Japanese poetry that is very short, with 3 lines and no more than 17 syllables. Hay A cured grass or legume crop that is fed to farm animals. The whole plant (leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds) is harvested. Healthy A state of being and feeling well and whole. Heart disease A serious problem that prevents the heart (the organ that pumps blood through the body) from doing its job properly. Heart disease can have natural causes, or begin as a result of things people do, like eating too much fat and not getting enough exercise. Heavy metals Naturally occurring poisonous metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum. In very tiny amounts they are necessary to support life, but at high levels they are bad for the health of people and animals. Hectare Based on the metric system, one hectare is equal to 2.47 acres. Heirloom plant Describes a plant that was common many years ago, but is now rare. Today, heriloom plants are usually grown from seeds that people carefully save for years and years and share with their family and friends. Herb A plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Herbicide A man-made chemical used to kill plants. Hibernation Winter sleeping where an animal's temperature, heart rate, and body slow down so much that it might appear to be dead. Homeopathy A natural system of medicine that tries cure illnesses by encouraging the body to heal itself. Hormone A product of living cells that circulates in sap or body fluids and has a specific effect. Some hormones have a booster effect - they stimulate cells. Hormones Substances that can be given to animals to make them grow faster than they would naturally. Hosta A pretty plant with lush green leaves and colorful flowers; the flowers are often purple. Hostas live a long time, and they grow well in the shade. Humid When the air is thick with water. Humus The end result of composting. Organic matter that results after most of the plant and animal residues decompose. Husk The outer covering of a seed or fruit. Hydrologic cycle The movement of water to air and back to earth. Rain, runoff, and evaporation are parts of the cycle. Immature Not fully grown In season Food that is harvested and eaten during the time of year when it naturally grows the best is called "in season." Indigenous A word that describes plants or animals that are native to a certain area. Infiltration The movement of water or rain directly through the soil. Insecticide A man-made chemical that kills insects. Instar A stage in the life of an insect, spider, or crustacean when the creature is between two molts. (A molt is when the creature sheds its exoskeleton, or outer layer.) Integrated pest management Management that begins with scouting to determine need, then using baits and poisons to elminate pests. Internal resources Things that already exist within a garden or farm (includes person skills, tools, soil, etc). Interplanting Planting 2 or more crops at the same time. Invasive non-native A plant that can grow rapidly over a large area without being threatened by the wildlife, pests, and diseases that would keep it under control in its native environment. Irradiation Refers to a food (especially beef) that has been exposed to radiation like X-rays or ultraviolet light to kill bacteria in the food. Irrigation Artificial watering of land. Irrigation system A way of making water available to crops. Juglone A toxic chemical found in many parts of the walnut tree. Kale A cabbage-like plant with curly leaves. Many people use kale for decoration in their gardens. Kamakura A big hole that is dug out of a pile of snow. Several people can sit in a kamakura and talk, play, eat, and drink tea. Japanese kids like to play in a kamakura. Kelp meal A natural fertilizer made from dried seaweed that contains many minerals, supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms, and helps soil to retain water. It works especially well when added to compost. Killdeer A medium-sized brown and white shorebird with a dark bill and long wings. Unlike most types of birds, newborn baby killdeer have fluffy feathers and can run around with their parents in search of food. They don't have to stay in a nest and be fed by their parents, like baby robins do. Killifish A type of very small fish commonly found in Japanese rice fields and streams. Also called a minnow. Kimono A loose robe with wide sleeves that is traditionally worn with a broad sash as an outer garment by Japanese people of all ages. Kushing When llamas (and camels) lie down with all four of their legs tucked underneath their bodies. Ladybug A type of beetle (in England they are called ladybird beetles!) well-loved by gardeners because they are meat-eaters that use their chewing mouthparts to feed on insect pests (like aphids). They have four wings - two are used for flying while two form the colorful protective covering. Landfill A large area used to dump garbage and other waste. When garbage is collected from houses, it is often taken to a landfill to be buried underground. Larva A young, wingless, often worm-like form (like a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many different species of insects. The plural of larva is "larvae." Lead A naturally occurring metal that can be poisonous to humans, and especially children. Drinking water with lead in it, or breathing in dust from lead-based paint is dangerous, which is why lead is no longer used to make water pipes or paint for houses. Legume A family of plants that includes peas, beans, alfalfa, and clover. These plants carry their seeds in a pod. Lily of the Valley A fragrant-smelling, perennial (grows every year) groundcover plant that has delicate white, bell-shaped flowers which bloom in spring Limestone Soft rock that is mainly made of calcite. Loam Soil with a good texture for growing plants. Contains a blanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. Loamy Soil having the characteristics of a good texture for growing plants--a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. Loofah A type of natural sponge made from the dried skeleton of the fruit of a loofah. Loquat A sweet, small yellow-orange fruit that grows on Asian evergreen trees. Also called Japanese medlar. Lung The organ in your chest that allows you to breathe. Mammary gland That part of an animal responsible for secreting (making) milk. Management All decisions that apply to a cropping system. Decisions may concern tillage, roation, and soil health. Manatee A large, social, tropical aquatic animal that eats plants. Manufacture To take raw materials and make them into something new, like turning pulp from trees into paper. Manure Animal waste, or dung. Marigold A popular garden plant with yellow, red, or orange flowers. Marigolds are grown mainly in North and South America. Marsh lands Areas that are often or constantly under shallow water. Mastodon A huge elephant-like animal that is now extinct. Mature Allowing produce to age for a certain amount of time. Mealy Bug A small, wingless, scaled insect 1/5th of an inch long (about the size of a small red ant) that gets its name from its appearance, which looks as if it has been rolled in coarse flour. It has a common pest of indoor and outdoor plants including fruits and vegetables, and it feeds by puncturing plants and sucking the juice inside the plant called sap. Mechanical cultivation The use of mechanical tools to dislodge or bury weeds. Metabolism The process by which plants, animals, and people convert food into energy. Metamorphosis An abrupt change in the form of an insect or animal. Metamorphosis is what turns a tadpole into a frog and a caterpillar into a butterfly. Metate A flat or somewhat sharpened stone block used for grinding grains (like corn) or other food into smaller pieces. Microbe A germ that can only be seen using a microscope. Microbial Pertaining to microorganisms (e.g., microbial mass). Microorganism An animal or plant that is too small to see without a microscope. Mineral component The part of the soil that is made up of finely ground rock. This can include clay (smallest-sized particles), silt (medium-sized particles), and sand (largest-sized particles). Minerals Inorganic, or non-living, substances found in rocks or soil. Minke whale A small (about 25-35 feet long) finback whale found in waters close to the coast in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Mold A growth on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms. Monocot A plant which has one seed leaf when it begins to grow. Plants such as corn, wheat, rice, and lawn grass are monocots. Monocropping Planting and farming large areas of the same crop. Mulch Material such as straw or leaves that is spread on the ground to protects soil and plant roots, and to smother weeds. Mycorrhiza The beneficial relationship between fungi and plant roots. Native Describes a plant that grows naturally in a particular area. Natural agriculture Growing crops in harmony with the environment and avoiding the use of anything unnatural. Organic farming is an example of natural agriculture. Natural cross-pollination Transferring pollen from one flower to the stigma of another without interference from man. Natural resource An energy source that is pulled from the earth's crust, oceans, or air for human use. Nature The environment and all plants and animals that live in it. Nectar A sweet liquid that is secreted by some plants. Nematode A very small worm-like creature found in many soils. Nerve A very small part of your body (almost like a piece of thread) that carries feelings and messages to and from your brain. Nicaragua Central American country bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. Nitrate A form of nitrogen that plants can take up through their roots. Nitrogen The most abundant element in the atmosphere, important in plant growth. Nitrogen cycle The movement of nitrogen from the air to water, soil, and living organisms, then returning to the air through decomposition. Nitrogen fixing bacteria The common term for bacteria that stick to the roots of a legume plant. These bacteria take nitrogen from air particles in the soil and change it into useful forms of nitrogen for the plants. Nodule A bump on a legume plant root in which the nitrogen fixing bacteria live. Non-native A plant that would not be found naturally in a particular area or country. Non-native plants that spread quickly in a new area are called "invasive" plants. Non-profit An organization that is not in business to make profits. Money it does earn is used to pay bills so it can keep running. Nonpoint source pollution Contamination that comes from many different locations and empties into a single location, such as a lake, stream, or particular area of land. Nori A type of algae that is very commonly used in Japanese foods. NPK An abbreviation for nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Plants need these three nutrients to grow. Nutrient Things like vitamins, minerals, and protein that are found in small amounts in food or soil. Nutrients are necessary for human, animal, and plant growth. Nymph An immature insect that is different from the adult in the size and proportions of the body. Onion sets Onions are often grown from "sets" instead of from seeds. Onion sets are produced by sowing onion seeds very thickly one year, resulting in plants that don't grow fully and which produce very small bulbs. These bulbs are very easy to set out and grow into mature bulbs the following year. Organic Growing plants this way means working in harmony with nature rather that against it, and never using man-made, chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The word "organic" also refers to things that are alive or are produced by living things. Organic farm A farm that does not use man-made ferilizers or chemical pesticides to produce healthy crops. Organic Farming and Gardening Farming and gardening using natural methods to feed the soil and reduce pests. Organic matter Living and dead plant and animal material. This material is composed largely of carbon. Organic molecule A molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and (possibly) other elements. Organically Produced or grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, or pesticides. Organism An individual living thing. Origami The Japanese art of folding paper to create animals, insects, and other shapes. Osteoporosis A condition that is characterized by weak bones that break easily. It is more common in older women. Overprocessed Overtreated in its creation (often to the point where it can no longer be considered natural). Oxygen A colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is an essential part of the air humans, animals, and plants breathe. Oxygen is also found in water and most rocks and minerals and makes up 21% of the earth’s atmosphere. Paradigm A basic model or pattern. Parasite A bug that lives inside another animal. Pasteurization A process that stops foods like cheese and liquids like milk from spoiling. Pasture A large plot of land where animals can freely graze (eat) on grass and other plants. Pathogen A living thing that causes disease. PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls (or PCBs) are poisonous chemicals that can build up in the fat of humans and animals and have been found to cause cancer. Most countries have banned the production of PCBs, but because they are "persistent organic pollutants," they take years to break down and continue to pollute oceans and soils. Pedometer An instrument that records the distance you cover on foot by tracking your bodys motion at each step. Perennial A plant that grows year after year without being replanted. Permaculture A way of gardening that uses every part of the available space to grow useful, often native, plants (such as berry buses that provide food for people and wildlife) in a natural way. A permaculture garden would be built around the existing landscape (instead of trying to change the land) and plants would be watered with rainwater (instead of water from a faucet). Pesticide A chemical (usually man-made) that is used to kill pests on plants and may harm soil health and food quality over time. Pestle A small club-shaped tool used to pound or grind substances. A pestle is often used with a strong, deep bowl called a mortar. pH The level of acidity in a substance. Measured on a scale of 0 to 14. Ph.D. The Doctor of Philosophy degree, one of the highest degrees awarded by a university. Pheromone mating disruption Using natural hormones (called pheromones) to outsmart pests so that they leave crops alone. Phlox Low-growing perennial (grows every year) plants that bloom in spring in loose clusters of 4-10 blossoms. Depending on the variety, they may be blue or purple, or many other spring colors. Phosophorus An important element needed for the growth and health of plants and animals. Phosphate An element necessary for plant growth. Plants take phosphate in through their roots. Phosphoric acid A type of natural acid. It used to be used as a flavoring in soft drinks. Photosynthesis The process by which plants use their chlorophyll tissues to turn sunlight into carbohydrates, or food. Pickle To preserve a food in vinegar. For example, the pickles you probably like to eat are actually cucumbers preserved in vinegar. Plankton Tiny animal and plant life that live in water and are eaten by many kinds of fish. Plant-chemicals Also called phytochemicals, these are important compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Plant-chemicals are believed to help prevent and/or treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Plow (noun) A tool used to turn over the soil. The plow is usually pulled behind a tractor. (verb) To turn over the top 6-8 inches of soil to prepare it for planting. Point source pollution Pollutants that come out of a single location, such as pipes, ditches, channels, sewers, tunnels, or various types of containers. Pollen The fine dust on a male flower part. Plants need pollen to reproduce. Pollinate To fertilize a female flower part by putting grains of pollen on it. Pollutants Waste that is harmful to the environment. Pollutants can be natural (like animal waste that gets into water supplies) or man-made (like car exhaust fumes getting into the air). Pollution Contamination of the environment with man-made waste. Ponzu sauce A traditional Japanese soy sauce that has a citrus flavor. Porous Having pores or openings that let liquids or gases pass through. Potassium An important nutrient used by plants and animals. In plants, potassium helps create proteins and develop fruit. In people, potassium helps hearts, muscles, and blood stay healthy. Prairie A piece of land covered with natural grasses and plants where very few trees grow. Prairies are the home of many types of mammals and ground-nesting birds; therefore, prairies need to be protected from destruction. Predator An animal or insect that hunts and eats other animals or insects. Preservative A substance that is added to food to prevent it from spoiling or changing color. Preservatives are often made from chemicals. Primeval Relating to the earliest ages. Primitive. Processed food Food that has been treated by machinery, chemistry, or extreme temperature. Processor In the case of food processing, a company or factory that takes food and changes it in some way (by cooking, adding preservatives, etc.) and packages it. Propagate To reproduce, or breed. Protein An important nutrient found in foods, including meats, beans, and dairy products. Protein helps your body grow and repair itself, and helps make essential hormones and enzymes to keep you healthy. Protozoa One-celled organisms that do not rely on photosynthesis for food. An amoeba is the most commonly known protozoa. Pulse Rhythmic beating felt in veins (especially at your neck and wrists) showing that blood is being pumped by the heart throughout your body. Pungent Something that causes a sharp or irritating sensation Rain forest A type of forest that gets a lot of rain and is most often found in tropical areas. Most trees in a rain forest do not lose their leaves all at once. Raised bed A system of gardening or farming where plants are grown in structures (usually wooden) that are higher than the ground level. Recirculate To move from place to place again and again. Recycle To process glass, cans, paper, or other materials in order to regain materials so we can use them over again. Recycling Changing waste into useful items. Refined carbohydrates A group of foods that can be complex or simple. Foods like bread, pasta, rice, cereals, starchy vegetables, and legumes are complex carbohydrates that contain important minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Foods like fruit, dairy products, and vegetables contain simple carbohydrates that also provide vitamins and minerals. Refined and processed foods like candy, sugar, some syrups, and regular carbonated drinks also contain simple carbohydrates - but they are often high in calories and don't provide all the good minerals, vitamins, and fiber that a body needs. Regenerate Renewing from within - physically, mentally, and spiritually. Regeneration The ability of people and nature to renew from within--physically, mentally, and spiritually. Regenerative Relying on the resources that exist naturally; renewing. Regenerative agriculture A method of growing food that relies on the internal resources that exist naturally, including the land, sun, air, rainfall, plants, animals, and people--and improves the resources it uses as it produces food. Regenerative farming A method of growing food that relies on the internal resources that exist naturally, including the land, sun, air, rainfall, plants, animals, and people--and improves the resources it uses as it produces food. Replication A test that is repeated over time. Reproduce To make another of the same thing. For example, when birds lay eggs and the baby birds hatch, the adult birds have reproduced. The first step in the reproduction of flowering plants is pollination, which is when the wind or a bird or insect carries the male pollen grains from the anther (a plant part that produces pollen grains) to the top of the female part, called the stigma. Residue Plant material left over from growing a crop. Resources Useful material found in the environment. Resting heart rate The number of individual beats of the heart when a body is resting. Rhizome A bacteria that lives around the roots of legume plants. Rhizobia takes nitrogen from air particles in the soil and changes it into a substance that the plants tissue can use. Riparian zone The area that borders a river or a stream. Ruminant Animals such as sheep and cows that have several stomachs to digest grass and hay. Special organisms live in these stomachs and break down the cellulose (less digestible plant parts) in the grass and hay. This way, the animals get good nutrition from grass and hay. Rural Of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture. Rural is the opposite of urban. Sand Fine rock particles that are big enough to see. Saturated fat A concentrated fat found in dairy products, eggs, and meat. Sedimentary rock Rock formed from fragments moved by water and deposited elsewhere. Examples are sandstone and limestone. Seed saving Carefully gathering, drying, and storing seeds from your favorite plants so that you can grow the same plants again in the future. Sei whale A whale that grows to about 55 feet long. Its top half is blue-black, while its lower half is white. It is found in oceans around the world. Shale Rock formed when clay was packed down in ancient waters. Sickle A farm tool that is used to cut down plants. It has a curved metal blade and a short handle. Silage Whole corn plants that are harvested, fermented, and stored in silos and fed later to livestock such as cows. Silt Very fine rock particles that are too small to see. Sludge The muddy remains after dirty water is cleaned and chemicals are removed. Snag A stump or stub of a tree branch. Lots of animals make their homes in old snags. Soil The top layer of the Earths surface made up of living and mineral components in which plants grow. The soil is made up of clay, silt, sand, rocks, organic material, water, and air. Soil Horizon A way of looking at the earth like its a layer cake with either bedrock or clay on the bottom; sandy, silty, clay or ricky soil in the middle layers; and organic matter mixed with sand, silt, clay, or rocky soil on top. Soil quality Soils ability to provide a healthy environment for plants and animals. Soil quality indicator A measure of soils health. Soil structure The arrangement of soil particles. Soil Texture The proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. Soybean A seed (soybean) from a legume plant that is valuable as animal feed and as a food ingredient. Spatial variation A characteristic, such as soil type or moisture content, that differs from place to place. Sprout A baby plant. Stabilimenta The bold, white, zig-zag pattern that some types of spiders spin into their webs. Steward A person who acts responsibly and takes action to preserve the earth's resources. Stewardship The careful and responsible management of something important, such as the environment. Stone ground The process of grinding grains between large stones to create flour. Stream order The increase in energy flow as water moves from the smallest streams to larger bodies of water. Succession The series of changes that occur in an ecosystem with the passing of time. Sue To seek justice from someone in a court of law. Sustainable Able to continue indefinitely. Using a resource faster than it is replaced is not sustainable. Sustainable agriculture System of growing crops that can be used as resources. Symbiosis The joining of two different types of organisms that benefit each other. Symbiotic relationship When two different organisms live together and both benefit from the relationship. Synthetic Chemical A man-made substance. Synthetic fertilizer A man-made chemical or chemically treated substance that is put on crops as a source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Synthetic hormone A manmade substance that acts like a hormone. Taro root An edible root that grows in tropical places and other warm regions around the world. Poi is a traditional Hawaiian food made from taro roots. Terrace A series of horizontal ridges made in a hillside giving the farmer more flat land to farm and a way to conserve moisture; terraces also slow down erosion. Terraced land looks like very big steps on the side of a hill. Texture How something feels. For example, crackers have a rough texture, while plain yogurt has a smooth texture. Thrip A very tiny, destructive insect 1/50th of an inch long (smaller than the head of a pin) that eats bud, flower, and leaf tissue by scratching the plant surface and sucking the juice inside the plant called sap. Tilling The act of working by plowing, sowing, and raising crops. Tofu A soft, mild, cheese-like food made from soymilk. It is very healthy, and it is a dietary staple throughout Asia. In recipes, tofu soaks up any flavor that is added to it. Topsoil The top layer of soil that is prepared for planting. Torpor An extremely relaxed, mentally and physically sluggish state of being that some animals (including toads) go into for the winter. When in torpor, the animal doesn’t seem to see, hear, or feel things going on around it. The animal is groggy and takes a little while to wake up. Trans fat A type of fat that is formed when vegetable oils are hardened. It is found in many processed foods, including French fries, fried chicken, cookies, pastries, and crackers. Eating a lot of trans fat is bad for people's health because it increases "bad" cholesterol and decreases "good" cholesterol; it clogs arteries so blood doesn’t move around easily; and it can cause other serious health problems. Trash Material that is cast aside by one group of organisms. Treatment An experimental variable. Trowel A small, hand-held shovel that is used in a garden to dig up plants. Tuber A short, fleshy underground part of a stem or root, used by a plant to store the food it makes for survival over winter and new groth in the spring. A potato is a tuber. Urban Located in, or relating to, a city or city life. For example, taxi cabs are found in urban areas, while farms are not. Verbena A brightly colored plant known for its beautiful spikes of red, white, pink, and blue flowers. Vermicomposting The process of using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer. An earthworm's waste (also know as castings) provides beneficial nutrients for compost and soil, which encourages plant growth. Also called "vermiculture."