How to use this glossary

These are frequent SSC/Prelims items. Group biology, computing and physics terms for quick revision.

DNA
Genetic material
AI/ML
Computing
LASER
Light amplification
GPS
Positioning

Biology and health

Abbr.Full form
DNADeoxyribonucleic Acid
RNARibonucleic Acid
ATPAdenosine Triphosphate
PCRPolymerase Chain Reaction
HIV / AIDSHuman Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
BMIBody Mass Index
RBC / WBCRed / White Blood Cell

Computing and IT

Abbr.Full form
AI / MLArtificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
CPUCentral Processing Unit
RAM / ROMRandom / Read-Only Access Memory
DBMSDatabase Management System
OSOperating System
IoTInternet of Things
GPUGraphics Processing Unit

Physics and devices

Abbr.Full form
LASERLight Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
RADARRadio Detection and Ranging
SONARSound Navigation and Ranging
LED / LCDLight Emitting Diode / Liquid Crystal Display
GPSGlobal Positioning System
LPG / CNGLiquefied Petroleum Gas / Compressed Natural Gas

UPSC angle

The expansions of LASER, RADAR, SONAR and DNA/RNA are classic one-mark items. Know the computing basics (CPU/RAM/ROM, AI/ML) too.

Frequently asked questions

What is the full form of LASER?

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

What is the full form of DNA and RNA?

DNA = Deoxyribonucleic Acid; RNA = Ribonucleic Acid.

What does RADAR stand for?

Radio Detection and Ranging.

What is the full form of GPS?

Global Positioning System.