Key terms & definitions

An integrated circuit containing a central processing unit that executes instructions and processes data, normally supported by external memory and input/output circuitry.

Growing many genetically identical plants from small pieces of plant tissue under controlled conditions.

Practical work carried out using very small quantities of chemicals.

A thin preparation of a specimen mounted on glass so that it can be viewed with a microscope.

The use of instruments to produce images of objects that are too small to see clearly with the unaided eye.

The study of objects too small to see clearly with the unaided eye, using microscopes.

A switch designed to change fully between contact positions in response to a small physical movement or force.

A purchase of an item or service within a game, often involving a relatively small payment.

An appliance that uses microwave radiation to heat food for cooking, reheating, defrosting or melting.

Electromagnetic radiation between radio waves and infrared in the spectrum, used for communication and for heating food.

A heap or area used for dumping household rubbish, animal dung and used floor coverings.

People whose position in society was associated with professional, business, managerial or clerical work, with considerable differences in income within the group.

A social group with incomes that allow spending beyond basic necessities, often associated with skilled, professional or managerial employment.

A social class commonly associated with professional, managerial and other non-manual occupations.

The three small bones in the middle ear—the malleus, incus and stapes—which transmit vibrations from the eardrum towards the inner ear.

A trader who buys goods from one supplier and sells them on to another buyer, adding another stage and cost to the trading journey.

The Atlantic crossing during which enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas.

The Buddhist way that avoids the extremes of indulgence in sensual pleasure and self-mortification; the Buddha identifies it with the Noble Eightfold Path.

Elizabeth’s approach of establishing a Protestant Church while retaining some traditional ceremonies and features intended to make change more acceptable.

The Buddhist approach that avoids both indulgence in pleasure and extreme self-denial.

People between the wealthy elite and the poor, including prosperous farmers, craftsmen and small business owners.

People between the nobility and the poorer labouring population in the social hierarchy, including prosperous merchants and professionals such as lawyers.

An imaginary line running down the centre of the body, dividing it into left and right halves.

A long underwater mountain chain formed where magma rises and creates new oceanic crust at a constructive margin.

The point halfway along a line segment, equally distant from its two ends.

A shot usually showing a person from around the waist upwards, making facial expression and body language visible.

A person who moves from one place to another to live, either within a country or across national borders.

A person who moves from one place to another to live, sometimes across national borders.

A farmworker who moves between places to find agricultural employment.

The movement of people from one place to another to live or work.