| A | B |
|---|
| Abbassid Dynasty | (750 - 1258) Ruling family of the Islamic Empire during its golden age. This dynasty is responsible for many achievements |
| agriculture | The cultivating of land, producing of crops, and raising of livestock for human consumption. |
| AIDS | Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A disease of the human immune system caused by the HIV retrovirus. |
| algebra | A branch of mathematics pioneered by Islamic mathematician al-Khwarizimi in which letters are used to represent unknown numbers to generalize arithmetic. |
| al-Khwarizimi | Islamic mathematician who pioneered the study of algebra. His textbook on the subject became a standard in European universities for centuries. |
| antibiotics | A substance that kills bacteria in the human body. It is used to prevent or treat various illnesses. |
| antiseptic | An agent that helps prevent or reduce infection in wounds. |
| arch | A curved structure that shapes the edge of an open space, such as, a doorway, a window. |
| architect | A person who designs buildings. |
| artisan | A person who is skilled at a craft, such as weaving, or woodcarving. |
| astrolabe | A device used to determine latitude by observing the altitude and position of the sun or other start or planet. |
| astronomer | A person who specializes in the study of astronomical bodies. |
| Baron de Montesquieu | (1689-1755) Enlightenment thinker from France who wrote a book called, The Spirit of the Laws in 1748. In his book, Montesquieu describes what he considers to be the best government. He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch. Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty. |
| BCE | Date designation meaning Before Common Era, or more than two thousand years ago. |
| Bell, Alexander Graham | (1847-1922) American inventor of the telephone. |
| Bessemer, Sir Henry | (1813-98) Inventor who developed a more cost efficient process for making steel. |
| botany | The study of plant life. |
| calendar | A system for keeping track of time. |
| cannon | : A weapon which uses an iron ball as a projectile and gunpowder as the blasting agent. |
| caravel | Portuguese ship that had a large cargo area and used two orthree masts. |
