Glossaries
Health
This glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms related to holistic health, well-being, and personal development.
Use this resource to expand your knowledge and enhance your understanding of important concepts in the world of health and self-care.
A
Aerobic Exercise Physical exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body, enhancing cardiovascular conditioning.
Antioxidants Molecules that fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and preventing cell damage.
Ayurveda An ancient Indian system of medicine that uses diet, herbal treatments, and yogic breathing to maintain or improve health.
B
Biofeedback A technique that teaches control over involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, through monitoring.
BMI (Body Mass Index) A measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women.
Breathwork Various breathing practices aimed at improving mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
C
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) A psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.
Cortisol A steroid hormone that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response.
Chiropractic A form of alternative medicine that involves diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints.
D
Detoxification The physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from the human body.
Dietitian A health professional who specializes in food and nutrition, helping people create healthier diets based on medical and individual needs.
Diaphragmatic Breathing A type of breathing exercise that engages the diaphragm, intended to help strengthen the diaphragm muscles and increase the efficiency of breathing.
E
Endorphins Natural pain relievers produced by the body, which also promote a sense of well-being.
Ergonomics The study of people's efficiency in their working environment, particularly used to develop ways to enhance comfort and performance.
Essential Fatty Acids Fats that are essential to human health but cannot be made in the body, thus they must be obtained from food.
F
Fascia A band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs.
Functional Food Foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition, purported to promote specific health benefits.
Fermentation A metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes, used in improving digestive health.
G
Gluten A mixture of proteins found in wheat and related grains, like barley, rye, oat, and all their species and hybrids.
Glycemic Index A value assigned to foods based on how slowly or how quickly those foods cause increases in blood glucose levels.
Guided Imagery A relaxation technique that involves visualizing detailed images to promote physical, mental, or emotional healing.
H
Holistic Health An approach to life that considers multidimensional aspects of wellness; it encourages individuals to recognize the whole body, including physical, emotional, social, envoronmental and spiritual factors.
Homeopathy A system of alternative medicine based on the belief that the body can cure itself, using tiny amounts of natural substances like plants and minerals.
Hydration The process of causing something to absorb water, critical in maintaining optimal health.
I
Inflammation The body’s response to injury or disease, resulting in a condition of swelling, pain, heat, and sometimes redness.
Insomnia A common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep.
Intuitive Eating A philosophy of eating that makes you the expert of your body and its hunger signals.
J
Jogging Running at a steady, gentle pace as a form of physical fitness.
Joint Mobility The degree to which a joint can move before being restricted by surrounding tissues (ligaments/tendons/muscles etc.).
Juicing Extracting the natural liquids, vitamins, and minerals from raw fruits and vegetables, often used as a dietary supplement.
K
Ketogenic Diet A high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates.
Kinesthetic Awareness The ability to know where your body parts are in three-dimensional space, used for improving body awareness and coordination.
Kombucha A fermented, slightly alcoholic, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly consumed for its supposed health benefits.
L
Lactose Intolerance A common digestive disorder where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products.
Lifestyle Medicine A branch of medicine dealing with research, prevention, treatment, and reversal of diseases caused by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity, and chronic stress.
Lymphatic Drainage A therapeutic massage treatment that helps stimulate the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart.
M
Meditation A practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
Mindfulness The psychological process of purposely bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment without judgment, a core part of meditation.
Muscle Tone The continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles, or the muscle's resistance to passive stretch during resting state.
N
Nutraceutical A pharmaceutical-grade and standardized nutrient that may be used to treat and prevent disease.
Neuroplasticity The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.
Naturopathy A form of alternative medicine that employs an array of pseudoscientific practices branded as "natural", "non-invasive", or promoting "self-healing."
O
Osteopathy A type of alternative medicine that emphasizes physical manipulation of the body's muscle tissue and bones.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Essential fats the body cannot produce by itself; they play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.
Organic Foods Foods produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
P
Pilates A form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility.
Phytochemicals Bioactive chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants, which can have health-promoting properties.
Probiotics Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system.
Q
Qi Gong A system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.
Quality of Life The general well-being of individuals and societies, outlining negative and positive features of life.
Quinoa An edible seed that has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as it contains all nine essential amino acids.
R
Reflexology A therapy based on the theory that points on the feet, hands, and head are linked to every part of the body.
Resilience The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness, especially in the context of emotional health.
Reiki A form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing, involving the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palms to their patient.
S
Superfoods A marketing term used to describe foods with supposed health benefits as a result of an exceptional nutrient density.
Stress Management Techniques and psychotherapies aimed at controlling a person's level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of improving everyday functioning.
Sleep Hygiene The practice of following guidelines that can lead to improved sleep quality and daytime alertness.
T
Tai Chi A form of martial arts that involves slow, controlled, and low-impact movements that can be easy for beginners and those with health conditions.
Toxicity The degree to which a substance can damage an organism, which can involve chronic exposure to potentially harmful substances through our environment.
Transcendental Meditation A form of silent mantra meditation, developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, aimed at avoiding distracting thoughts and promoting a state of relaxed awareness.
U
Ultrasound Therapy A treatment used in physical therapy that uses sound waves to treat pain conditions and to promote tissue healing.
Umbilical Stem Cells Cells collected from the umbilical cord that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, used in medical therapies.
Unsaturated Fats A type of fat containing a high proportion of fatty acid molecules with at least one double bond, considered healthier than saturated fats.
V
Vinyasa Yoga A style of yoga known for its fluid, movement-intensive practices. Vinyasa refers to the sequence of poses that are performed as part of the practice.
Veganism The practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.
Vital Signs Clinical measurements, specifically pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure, that indicate the state of a patient's essential body functions.
W
Wellness Coaching A process that aims to enhance the well-being of individuals by creating healthier habits and making healthier lifestyle choices.
Whole Foods Foods that are minimally processed and refined, making them closer to their natural form.
Water Therapy The use of water exercises and treatments, often in a pool, to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being.
X
Xerophagy A diet in which someone eats dry foods, especially as a form of religious fasting.
Xenobiotic A chemical compound (such as a drug, pesticide, or carcinogen) that is foreign to a living organism.
Xylitol A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, which is seen as a healthier alternative to sugar in many foods.
Y
Yoga A group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India, aimed at controlling the body and mind.
Yin Yoga A slower style of yoga with poses that are held for longer periods of time, aiming to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.
Yogurt A food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, widely consumed for its health benefits including its high protein content and probiotics.
Z
Zinc An essential mineral involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, immune function, and the maintenance of skin integrity.
Zumba A fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves, creating a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system.
Zen Meditation A type of meditation that originated in Buddhism, which emphasizes seated meditation and introspection.
Food
This detailed glossary offers definitions and insights into essential terms related to the Food System and the Future of Food.
It is crafted to assist you in navigating both familiar and specialized vocabulary that you may encounter in discussions about sustainable agriculture, food technology, and global food security.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Agroecology The application of ecological concepts and principles in farming practices for sustainable agriculture, focusing on the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment.
Aquaponics A system combining aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one integrated system.
Artisanal Pertaining to food products made in traditional or non-mechanized ways often by local craftsmen, typically emphasizing quality and authenticity.
B
Biofortification The process of increasing the nutritional value of food crops through agricultural practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology.
Biodegradable Packaging Packaging made from organic materials that can be broken down by microorganisms within a reasonable amount of time, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Biofuel Fuels produced directly or indirectly from organic material – biomass – including plant materials and animal waste, used mainly for transportation.
C
Composting A method of turning organic wastes into a nutrient-rich material that can improve soil health and reduce waste.
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) A system in which consumers buy shares of a farmer's crop in advance and receive regular distributions of produce throughout the farming season.
Cellular Agriculture Production of agricultural products from cell cultures using a combination of biotechnology, tissue engineering, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.
D
Decomposers Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead material and wastes, turning them into useful nutrients that can be reused within the ecosystem.
Drip Irrigation An efficient irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface.
Dietary Fiber Indigestible substances in foods, sourced from plants, that aid in the digestion process and are essential for a healthy diet.
E
Edible Landscaping The practice of incorporating food-producing plants and trees into residential and public landscapes, promoting both aesthetics and functionality.
Enzymes Proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, including processes like digestion and metabolism in food.
Ethanol A type of alcohol used as a biofuel, commonly made from corn and sugarcane; used in sustainable fuel alternatives.
F
Food Miles A measure of the distance food items travel from the place of production to the consumer, used to assess the environmental impact of food transport.
Foraging The practice of gathering wild food resources, often focusing on sustainability and reconnecting with nature.
Fermentation A metabolic process that produces chemical changes in organic substrates through the action of enzymes, beneficial in food preservation and flavor enhancement.
G
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, often to achieve traits like pest resistance or increased nutritional value.
Grass-fed Refers to animals that have been raised eating only grass and other foraged foods throughout their lives, as opposed to being fed grain-based diets.
Gluten-Free A diet excluding gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and crossbred hybrids of these grains, often essential for individuals with gluten-related disorders.
H
Hydroponics A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent, allowing for more controlled and space-efficient farming.
Homogenization A process that involves blending the fat molecules in milk so that they stay integrated rather than separating as cream; also applied in other food products to improve consistency and shelf life.
Heirloom Seeds Seeds from plant varieties that have been cultivated for at least 50 years and are passed down through generations, valued for their genetic diversity and adaptation to specific local conditions.
I
Irradiation A process in which food is exposed to radiation to kill bacteria and other pathogens, thereby extending its shelf life and ensuring food safety.
Intercropping A practice of growing two or more crops in close proximity, which can lead to significant improvements in crop yields and sustainability.
Insoluble Fiber The type of dietary fiber that does not dissolve in water, important for its ability to help prevent constipation and improve digestive health.
J
Juicing The process of extracting the juice from fresh fruits or vegetables, resulting in a concentrated form of nutrients often consumed for health benefits.
Junk Food Informal term for food that is high in calories from sugar or fat with little dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals, and often considered unhealthy.
Jicama A root vegetable, also known as Mexican yam bean, which is crisp, juicy, and sweet, often eaten raw or added to salads in Western cooking.
K
Kale A hardy cabbage of a variety which produces erect stems with large leaves and no compact head, known for its health benefits and nutritional value.
Kombucha A fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly intended as a functional beverage for its supposed health benefits.
Kefir A fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains and packed with probiotics, noted for its health benefits.
L
Locavore A person who endeavors to eat only foods harvested from within a locally defined area, often within 100 miles of home, to promote sustainability and reduce food miles.
Legumes A class of vegetables that includes beans, peas, and lentils, known for their ability to fix nitrogen and their high protein content, making them important staples in vegetarian diets.
Lactose-Free Foods or drinks that do not contain lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, catering to those with lactose intolerance.
M
Microgreens Young vegetable greens that are approximately 1–3 inches tall, known for their nutritional content and used as a visual and flavor component in fine dining.
Monoculture The agricultural practice of growing a single crop, variety, or species in a field at a time, which can lead to greater efficiency but also higher susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Mycotoxins Toxic compounds produced by fungi that can contaminate food crops and pose a significant risk to health and food safety.
N
Nutraceutical A product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods, often used to prevent diseases and improve health.
No-till Farming An agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage, thereby reducing soil erosion and improving soil health and carbon sequestration.
Nitrates Compounds found naturally in some foods (like vegetables) and added to others (like cured meats) that can affect human health and are integral in soil fertility.
O
Organic Farming An agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops.
Omnivore An organism that eats both plants and animals, referring to people who consume a variety of food of both plant and animal origin.
Oxidation A chemical reaction involving the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom, or ion, which in food can lead to deterioration and rancidity, affecting flavor and nutritional quality.
P
Pollination The transfer of pollen from the male structures to the female structures of flowers, crucial for the production of fruits, seeds, and young plants.
Preservatives Substances used in foods to prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend the shelf life by preventing spoilage that may result from bacterial growth, enzymatic action, or chemical changes.
Probiotics Live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the gut flora.
Q
Quinoa An ancient grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals in amounts greater than in many grains.
Quality Standards Regulations and criteria to ensure that food products meet consistent safety and quality benchmarks at all stages of production and sale.
Quarantine Restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of disease by isolating affected individuals, animals, or plants from contact with others.
R
Regenerative Agriculture A conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems which focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.
Resilience The ability of a system, community, or individual to withstand environmental, economic, or social challenges and quickly recover from them.
Rotational Grazing A livestock management practice that involves rotating livestock through a series of paddocks so the grazing pasture can regenerate, improving pasture productivity and reducing soil erosion.
S
Sustainability Practices in agriculture and food production that maintain the capacity of the earth to provide for the needs of current and future generations through environmentally sound, socially acceptable, and economically viable means.
Seed Bank A repository for the preservation of seeds to ensure crop diversity for future generations. Seed banks are vital for conserving genetic diversity against the loss of plant species in the wild.
Soil Health The continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. This term encompasses soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties.
T
Traceability The ability to verify the history, location, or application of an item by means of documented recorded identification, crucial in the food supply chain for safety and quality assurance.
Transgenic An organism that contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the organism acquiring them through reproduction.
Terrace Farming A type of farming that consists of different "steps" or terraces that are built onto the slopes of hills and mountains to make use of rainwater for irrigation and reduce soil erosion.
U
Urban Farming The practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. Urban farming can contribute to food security and alleviate urban food deserts.
U-Pick Farms Farms where consumers can go directly to the farm to pick the fruits and vegetables themselves. This model connects consumers with their food source and can involve less packaging and waste.
Umami Recognized as the fifth taste, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami is a savory taste imparted by glutamate, a type of amino acid, and ribonucleotides that occur naturally in foods.
V
Vertical Farming The practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces. The idea is to manage resources more efficiently, use less water, and maximize the use of urban
Veganism A lifestyle and diet that excludes all animal products and by-products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, with motivations ranging from health concerns to ethical and environmental considerations.
Viticulture The science, production, and study of grapes which deals with the series of events that occur in the vineyard. It is also concerned with the production of wine, especially with vine growing.
W
Whole Foods Foods that are minimally processed, refined, and handled, making them as close to their natural form as possible.
Water Footprint The total volume of fresh water that is used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or produced by a business.
Whey Protein A high-quality protein naturally found in dairy, a byproduct of the cheese-making process, often used in supplements and shakes to enhance muscle growth and aid in recovery.
X
Xeriscaping A landscaping method developed for arid and semiarid climates that utilizes water-conserving techniques such as drought-tolerant plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation.
Xanthan Gum A polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including as a common food additive to stabilize, thicken, and emulsify ingredients.
Xylitol A sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute in foods, known for its sweetness comparable to sucrose but with fewer calories and less impact on blood glucose levels.
Y
Yield The measure of the crop produced on a given piece of land during a single season, an essential factor in assessing agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
Yogurt A food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, widely consumed for its flavor, texture, and health benefits including probiotics that help maintain gut flora
Yeast A microorganism used in the production of beer, wine, and breads, crucial for fermentation, causing dough to rise by converting carbohydrates to carbon dioxide gas and alcohols.
Z
Zero-Tillage Another term for no-till farming, which involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage, thereby preserving soil structure and biodiversity.
Zinc An essential mineral important for a healthy immune system, wound healing, and normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.s.
Zoonosis Any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans and vice-versa, emphasizing the health interconnections between species.vor.
Water
This glossary provides definitions and explanations of key terms related to water conservation, management, and stewardship.
It's designed to help you understand both common and complex terms you may encounter as you explore the Water Awareness Toolkit.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Aquifer An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well.
Algal Bloom A rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in an aquatic system, often resulting in harmful effects on the ecosystem and water quality.
Aeration A process that promotes biological degradation of organic matter in water. It involves circulating air through water and can be used to treat environment-related pollutants.
B
Bioremediation The use of living organisms, like microbes and bacteria, to remove or neutralize contaminants, such as in polluted water or soil.
Backflow The undesirable reversal of flow of a liquid, gas, or suspended solid into the potable water supply; a significant risk to water safety.
Brackish Water Water that has more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater. Typically results when seawater and freshwater mix, such as in estuaries.
C
Condensation The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water. Condensation is crucial to the water cycle because it is responsible for the formation of clouds.
Catchment Area The area from which rainfall flows into a river, lake, reservoir, or other body of water.
Capillary Action The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. It is essential in the soil water uptake by plant roots.
D
Dissolved Oxygen The amount of oxygen that is present in water. Oxygen is necessary for the survival of aquatic organisms.
Desalination The process of removing salts and other minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh drinking water.
Detention Basin A low-lying area used to collect and store stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and manage erosion, slowly releasing water back into waterways.
E
Eutrophication A process where water bodies receive excess nutrients that stimulate excessive plant growth, leading to the depletion of oxygen in the water and severe impacts on water quality and aquatic life.
Evaporation The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. Evaporation is a primary pathway that water moves from the liquid state back into the water cycle as atmospheric water vapor.
Effluent Treated or untreated wastewater that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial outfall. Generally refers to wastes discharged into surface waters.
F
Filtration The process of removing particles from water by passing it through a porous medium. Used in both water treatment and for reducing sediment and other impurities.
Floodplain Flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding.
Freshwater Water that has low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids, generally considered suitable for uses such as drinking, bathing, and cooking.
G
Groundwater Water that collects or flows beneath the Earth's surface, filling the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rocks. Groundwater supplies drinking water for a significant portion of the world's population.
Greywater Wastewater generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing, which can be recycled on-site for uses such as landscape irrigation and constructed wetlands.
Gully Erosion The removal of soil along drainage lines by surface water runoff. Once started, gullies will continue to move by headward erosion or by slumping of the sidewalls unless steps are taken to stabilize the disturbance area.
H
Hydrology The scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth and other planets, including the water cycle, water resources, and environmental watershed sustainability.
Hydraulic Cycle Another term for the water cycle, it describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Hydroponics A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent.
I
Infiltration The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. It is crucial for recharging aquifers and maintaining river base flows.
Irrigation The artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops. Irrigation helps to grow agricultural crops, maintain landscapes, and revegetate disturbed soils in dry areas during periods of inadequate rainfall.
Impervious Surface Surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate, forcing it to run off. Examples include roads, driveways, parking lots, and rooftops.
J
Jet Stream A narrow, variable band of very strong, predominantly westerly air currents encircling the globe several miles above the earth. Jet streams are important because they contribute to worldwide weather patterns and their precipitation.
Joule Heating The process by which the passage of an electric current through a conductor produces heat. This can impact water temperatures in nearby bodies of water when used for cooling in industrial processes.
Jurisdictional Wetland Wetlands that meet certain regulatory criteria and are subject to protection by law because of their important ecological functions, including water filtration and habitat provision.
K
Karst A landscape underlain by limestone that has been eroded by dissolution, producing ridges, towers, fissures, sinkholes, and other characteristic landforms. Karst areas are important natural reservoirs for storing groundwater.
Kettle Lake A shallow, sediment-filled body of water formed by retreating glaciers or draining floodwaters.
Kinetic Energy The energy it possesses due to its motion. In water, this energy can be harnessed through hydropower.
L
Littoral Zone The part of a sea, lake, or river that is close to the shore. In coastal environments, this includes the tide's reach, and in lakes, the shallow sunlit waters to the depth at which rooted plants stop growing.
Limnology The study of inland aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of lakes and other bodies of fresh water.
Leachate Any liquid that, in the course of passing through matter, extracts soluble or suspended solids, or any other component of the material through which it has passed.
M
Mitigation The policy of constructing or creating man-made habitats at one site in compensation for the loss of similar habitats at another site due to water projects or other activities.
Meander A winding curve or bend in a river. Meanders form as a result of varying water flow velocity.
Mangrove Salt-tolerant trees that grow in intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. They are crucial for coastal protection and habitat for diverse marine organisms.
N
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) A measurement of the cloudiness of water, used to test water quality. It measures the amount of light that is scattered by suspended particles in the water.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Pollution resulting from diffuse sources that is not traceable to any single point of origin, an example being water runoff from agricultural fields carrying fertilizers and pesticides.
Nutrient Pollution Occurs when excess phosphorus and nitrogen are present in water, leading to over-nutrient enrichment that causes excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
O
Osmosis The movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, a critical process in biological and environmental systems.
Outfall The place where a river, drain, or sewer discharges; the outlet into a larger body of water.
Oxbow Lake A crescent-shaped lake formed when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off to create a lake.
P
Permeability The ability of rock or soil to allow water to flow through it, which affects the distribution of water and nutrients in the soil and subsoil.
Phytoplankton Microscopic marine algae that are foundational feeders in the aquatic food web, significant for oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption in water bodies.
Potable Water Water that is safe to drink or to use for food preparation, meeting quality standards set by local authorities.
Q
Quarry Water Water found in an excavation site that was created by removing stone, often collecting significant amounts of water from groundwater or rain.
Qualitative Water Assessment The evaluation of water based on observational data, typically regarding its visual appearance, smell, or taste, rather than numerical data.
Quenching Flow Water used in manufacturing processes to cool or harden metal or other materials, often requiring treatment before being discharged or reused.
R
Riparian Rights The rights of landowners whose land adjoins a river or stream to make reasonable use of the water, which varies from place to place.
Recharge Area A region where water makes its way downward from surface water to groundwater.
Reservoir A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
S
Sedimentation The process by which sediment settles out of the water column; it plays a critical role in building up river deltas and altering the aquatic environment.
Spring A point at which water flows from an aquifer to the earth's surface, naturally emerging from the ground.
Salinity The concentration of salt in water, often measured to determine the quality of water for various uses, including drinking, irrigation, and industrial processes.
T
Transpiration The process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.
Turbidity The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye, similar to smoke in air.
Tidal Power The energy obtained from the rise and fall of tides. Tidal power is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power - mainly electricity.
U
Upwelling A process in which deep, cold water rises toward the surface. Upwelling is a significant factor in bringing nutrients to the surface, supporting large populations of phytoplankton.
Unsaturated Zone The layer of rocks and soil above the water table in which the pores contain air as well as water
Ultrafiltration A type of membrane filtration in which forces like pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semipermeable membrane.
V
Vadose Zone The part of Earth between the land surface and the top of the phreatic zone, the area also known as the unsaturated area where water is not stable.
Velocity Head The height that water will rise to due to its kinetic energy when flowing, used to measure the flow rate in streams or rivers.
Vernal Pool Seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals.
W
Watershed The land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean.
Water Table The level below which the ground is saturated with water.
Wetland An area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, characterized by plants adapted to hydric soils.
X
Xeriscaping Landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
Xylem The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the root and also helps to form the woody element in the stem.
Xenobiotic A chemical substance found within an organism that is not naturally produced or expected to be present within.
Y
Yield The measure of the water output from an aquifer, reservoir, or watershed, crucial for determining water availability.
Younger Dryas A period of rapid cooling that occurred 12,900 to 11,700 years ago, showing significant historical evidence of climate change impacting water resources.
Yard Hydrant An outdoor faucet that provides easy access to the water supply for gardening and other maintenance purposes.
Z
Zooplankton Small floating or weakly swimming animals that inhabit especially freshwater and seawater and are usually the primary consumers in the aquatic food chain.
Zone of Saturation The area beneath the earth's surface where the pores and fractures of rocks are filled with water.
Zonal Flow A type of atmospheric circulation pattern in which the east-west component dominates over the north-south component.