seed storage proteinsProteins accumulated in large amounts in protein bodies within seed s. They act as a source of amino acids during germination.
SeepA spot where ground water oozes slowly to the surface, usually forming a pool.
SeepageThe act or process involving the slow movement of water or other fluid through a porous material such as soil or rock.
Seepage collarA projecting collar of concrete built around the outside of a tunnel or conduit, within an embankment dam, to reduce seepage along the outer surface of…
Seepage forceThe force transmitted to the soil or rock grains by seepage.
Seepage lossWater loss by capillary action and slow percolation.
Seepage velocityThe rate of discharge of seepage water through a porous medium per unit area of void space perpendicular to the direction of the flow.
SeepsWet areas, normally not flowing, arising from an underground water source. Any place where liquid has oozed from the ground to the surface.
segment-polarity geneA gene that functions to define the anterior and posterior components of body segments in Drosophila.
segregantAn individual derived from a cross between two unlike parents.
segregationFor genes, the separation of allele pairs from one another and their resulting assortment into different cells at meiosis.
SeicheA standing wave oscillation of water in large lakes usually created by strong winds and/or a large barometric pressure gradient.
Seiche waveA wave generated by either a landslide into a reservoir or by a sudden displacement or deformation of a fault line in a reservoir floor during a major…
SeismicPertaining to any earth vibration, especially that of an earthquake.
Seismic evaluation criteriaA guideline for determining which faults or seismic sources need to be assigned MCE's.
Seismic intensitySubjective measurement of the degree of shaking at a specified place by an experienced observer using a descriptive scale. See intensity scale.
Seismic parametersDescriptors of earthquake loading or earthquake size, such as magnitude, peak acceleration, location (distance and focal depth), spectrum intensity, or…
SeismotectonicOf, relating to, or designating structural features of the earth which are associated with or revealed by earthquakes.
Seismotectonic ProvinceA geographic area characterized by a combination of geology and seismic history.
SeizeTo bind wire rope with soft wire, to prevent it from ravelling when cut.
SELA watch cancellation statement issued to terminate a watch before its original expiration time.
Select materialBackfill materials specially selected and segregated from excavated materials.
selectableHaving a gene product that, when present, enables the identification and preferential propagation of a particular genotype. See: reporter gene.
Selectable LoadAny device, such as lights, televisions, and power tools, which is plugged into your central power source and used only intermittently.
Selectable markerA gene whose expression allows one to identify cells that have been transforrned or transfected with a vector containing the marker gene.
selection1. Differential survival and reproduction of phenotypes . 2. A system for either isolating or identifying specific genotypes in a mixed population.
selection coefficientA measure of the intensity of selection at a locus, commonly abbreviated as s. It represents the proportionate reduction in the gametic contribution of a…
selection cultureA selection based on difference(s) in environmental conditions or in culture medium composition, such that preferred variant cells or cell lines…
Selection cuttingThe periodic removal at short intervals of the oldest and largest trees in the stand, individually or in small groups.
selection differentialThe difference between the mean of the individuals selected to be parents and the mean of the overall population; it represents the average superiority of…
selection pressureThe intensity of selection acting on a population of organisms or on cells in culture.
selection responseThe difference between the mean of the individuals selected to be parents and the mean of their offspring.
Selective AbsorberA solar absorber surface that has high absorbence at wavelengths corresponding to that of the solar spectrum and low emittance in the infrared range.
Selective breedingMaking deliberate crosses or matings of organisms so the offspring will have a desired characteristic derived from one of the parents.
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR)Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a means of converting nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen (N2) and water (H20).
Selective Surface CoatingA material with high absorbence and low emittance properties applied to or on solar absorber surfaces.
self-incompatibilityIn plants, the inability of the pollen to fertilize ovules (female gametes) of the same plant.
Self-pollinationPollen of one plant is transferred to the female part of the same plant or another plant with the same genetic makeup.
self-replicating elementsExtrachromosomal DNA elements that have origins of replication for the initiation of their own DNA synthesis.
Semi-aridModerately dry region or climate where moisture is normally greater than under arid conditions but still definitely limits the production of vegetation.
semi-conservative replicationDuring DNA duplication, each strand of a parent DNA molecule acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.
semi-continuous cultureCells in an actively dividing state which are maintained in culture by periodically draining off the medium and replenishing it with fresh medium.
semi-permeable membraneA natural or synthetic material which selectively allows the passage of certain ions or molecules.
semi-sterilityThe condition of partial fertility. Often associated with chromosomal aberrations or the result of mutagenesis.
SemiconductorAny material that has a limited capacity for conducting an electric current. Certain semiconductors, including silicon, gallium arsenide, copper indium…
Semiconservative replicationDuring DNA duplication, each strand of a parent DNA molecule is a template for the synthesis of its new complementary strand.
Semipermanent anticycloneSemipermanent anticyclone (high) High pressure area largely predominate during a major portion of the year where an anticyclone appears on the mean…
Sending DistrictAn overlay zoning district established by the Town Meeting/Town Council upon recommendation from the Planning Board as an area in which use or development…
Sendout(Natural Gas) Volume of natural gas that is re-gasified and delivered into the downstream natural gas grid from an LNG terminal.
senescenceA late stage in the development of multicellular organisms, during which irreversible loss of function and degradation of biological components occur.
Senior water rightsWater rights that have been established first (measured by the date of appropriation) to the limit of their respective right, frequently to the exclusion…
sense RNAThe RNA transcript of the coding strand DNA (often represented as the (+)-strand). Opposite: antisense RNA.
Sensible Cooling EffectThe difference between the total cooling effect and the dehumidifying effect.
Sensible Cooling LoadThe interior heat gain due to heat conduction, convection, and radiation from the exterior into the interior, and from occupants and appliances.
Sensible HeatThe heat absorbed or released when a substance undergoes a change in temperature.
Sensible Heat FluxThe flux of heat from the earth's surface to the atmosphere that is not associated with phase changes of water; a component of the surface energy budget.
Sensible Heat StorageA heat storage system that uses a heat storage medium, and where the additional or removal of heat results in a change in temperature.
SensitivityWhen referring to a medical test, sensitivity refers to the percentage of people who test positive for a specific disease among a group of people who have…
Sensitivity level (analysis)Measures (e.g., high, medium, and low) of public concern for the maintenance of scenic quality.
Separation depositSand deposit located at the upstream end of a recirculation zone, where downstream flow becomes separated from the channel bank.
Separation EddyAn eddy that forms near the ground on the windward or leeward side of a bluff object or steeply rising hillside; streamlines above this eddy go over the…
sepsis(SEP-sis) The presence of bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues.
septate(SEP-tate) An organ or structure that is divided into compartments.
Septic tankUnderground tank for treatment of wastewater from a home in rural and suburban areas.
septumA dividing wall or partition, which splits a structure into separate cells or compartments.
sequenceThe linear order of nucleotides along a DNA or RNA molecule, and the process of obtaining this.
Sequence assemblyA process whereby the order of multiple sequenced DNA fragments is determined.
sequence characterized amplified region(Abbreviation: SCAR). A molecular marker obtained by the conversion to a sequence-tagged site of a single random amplified polymorphic DNA product.
sequence divergenceThe percent difference in the nucleotide sequence between related nucleic acid sequences, or in the amino acid sequence in a comparison between related…
Sequence hypothesisFrancis Crick's seminal concept that genetic information exists as a linear DNA code; DNA and protein sequence are colinear.
Sequence tagged site (STS)A unique (single-copy) DNA sequence used as a mapping landmark on a chromosome.
sequence-tagged site(Abbreviation: STS). Short unique DNA sequence (200-500 bp long) that can be amplified by PCR and is thus tagged to the site on the chromosome from which…
SequencingDetermination of the order of nucleotides (base sequences) in a DNA or RNA molecule or the order of amino acids in a protein.
Sequencing technologyThe instrumentation and procedures used to determine the order of nucleotides in DNA.
Seral stagesThe series of relatively transitory plant communities that develop during ecological succession from bare ground to the climax stage.
Serial DerechoType of derecho that consists of an extensive squall line which is oriented such that the angle between the mean wind direction and the squall line axis…
serial divisionSplitting of excised shoot-tip material growing in vitro, in order to induce the development of greater numbers of plantlets.
serial float cultureA technique whereby immature anthers are floated on a liquid medium, and continue their development through to the release of pollen.
seriesA configuration of an electrical circuit in which the positive lead is connected to the negative lead of another energy producing, conducting, or…
Series ConnectionA way of joining photovoltaic cells by connecting positive leads to negative leads; such a configuration increases the voltage.
Series ResistanceParasitic resistance to current flow in a cell due to mechanisms such as resistance from the bulk of the semiconductor material, metallic contacts, and…
SerologyThe branch of science dealing with the measurement and characterization of antibodies and other immunological substances in body fluids, particularly…
serumThe clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
serum albuminThe main protein in blood plasma. Low levels of serum albumin occur in people with malnutrition, inflammation, and serious liver and kidney disease.
Service spillway (primary spillway)A structure located on or adjacent to a storage or detention dam over or through which surplus or floodwaters which cannot be contained in the allotted…
Servo LoopIn radar meteorology, a generic description of hardware needed to remotely control the motion of the antenna dish.