Glossary
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Star | A massive ball of hot gas that produces energy through nuclear fusion in its core. The Sun is a star. Science General |
| States of matter | The forms in which matter exists, mainly solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. Science General |
| Statistical Significance | Observation, based on the application of a statistical test, that a relationship probably is not due to pure chance. The probability is stated (e.g., p < 0.05) and the results are said to be statistically significant. Science General |
| Statistics | The science of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data, especially to draw conclusions in the presence of uncertainty. Science General |
| STEM | An acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often used in education and workforce policy. Science General |
| Stem cell | An unspecialized cell that can divide and develop into different types of specialized cells. Science General |
| Sterilizing immunity | Immunity strong enough to prevent infection entirely, not just disease. Most vaccines prevent severe disease even if they do not always give sterilizing immunity. Vaccines |
| Storm Surge | An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Climate Change |
| Strain | A specific version of an organism. Many agents causing diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, have multiple strains. Vaccines |
| Stranded assets | Investments such as fossil fuel reserves or power plants that lose value before the end of their expected life because of climate policy, market changes, or physical climate impacts. Climate Change |