Key terms & definitions

An equation using chemical formulae to show the reactants and products of a chemical reaction.

A representation of a chemical reaction using the chemical symbols and formulae of the reactants and products.

An element whose meaning depends on cultural associations, such as a costume suggesting status or a setting suggesting danger.

A picture or pictogram used to represent a message rather than communicating it entirely through words.

Understanding words or images in a religious text as expressing a deeper meaning rather than as literal instructions.

A stage object that also carries a wider meaning. Portia’s ring represents the marriage promise and becomes a test of Bassanio’s loyalty.

An object, action or image that carries meaning beyond its literal role in a text.

Using an object, action or image to suggest an idea beyond its literal meaning.

An arrangement within a shot in which the two sides appear balanced around a central axis.

A distribution whose shape is balanced about its centre, with matching patterns on either side.

Young and Willmott's term for a home-centred nuclear family in which spouses make similar contributions of equal importance, although their roles are not interchangeable.

A composition in which elements are balanced on either side of the frame, often suggesting order or control.

A property of a distribution whose two sides are mirror images about its centre.

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity during a threatening or stressful situation.

Industrial action taken by workers in support of other workers involved in a dispute.

Understanding and sharing another person’s feelings; in Frankenstein, it can also mean a mutual emotional connection.

Workers taking strike action in support of another group’s dispute.

An ancient Greek drinking gathering at which participants could converse and enjoy entertainment.

A visible change in a plant caused by a problem, such as leaf spots, wilting or stunted growth.

A change in the body caused by a disease, such as pain or fever.

A feature of an illness or disorder, such as persistent low mood or disturbed sleep.

An image that combines different senses, such as describing something seen through the language of smell.

A Jewish place of worship and communal gathering.

A Jewish place of worship, prayer and teaching where the scriptures are read and discussed.

A junction between neurones where a chemical messenger transmits a signal across a small gap.

A junction between neurones containing a tiny gap across which neurotransmitters carry the signal.

A junction between neurons, including the sending membrane, the synaptic cleft and the receiving membrane.

The small gap between two nerve cells across which neurotransmitters travel.

The reduction of unnecessary or little-used neural connections during brain development.

The process by which a neuron releases a neurotransmitter across a synaptic gap, where it binds to receptors on another neuron and influences its activity.