Skip to content Lexicon of the Future: a glossary of Science Fiction lingo you need to know
When the boundaries of reality blur, and the realm of imagination knows no bounds comes Science Fiction. In the ever-expansive universe of Science Fiction, language plays a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of strange worlds, advanced technologies, and alien races. We have compiled an extensive glossary of Science Fiction lingo, guiding you through the intricate Science Fiction terminology that defines the genre and demystifies the concepts, making your exploration of alternate realities all the more immersive and exhilarating.
– A –
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Machines or software with human-like intelligence.
Aliens
Extraterrestrial life forms.
Alien Abduction
Claims of being kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings.
Alien Technology
Technology of extraterrestrial origin.
Alternate Universe
A separate reality with different laws and events.
Android Rebellion
Androids rebelling against human oppression.
Android(s)
Humanoid robots.
Anti-Gravity
Technology to counteract gravity’s effects.
Anti-Matter
Matter composed of antiparticles, often used as fuel.
Ark Ship
A spacecraft designed for long-term interstellar travel.
Augmented Reality
Overlapping digital information with the real world.
– B –
Beaming Technology
The method of instantly transmitting matter or individuals from one location to another using advanced energy-based systems
Big Bang
The theory of the universe’s explosive origin.
Bioengineering
Genetically modifying living organisms.
Biohacking
Modifying one’s biology for enhanced abilities.
Bionic
Combining biological and artificial body parts.
Black Hole
A region of spacetime with intense gravitational pull.
Brain-Computer Interface
Technology connecting the brain to computers.
Bussard Collector
A device to collect interstellar hydrogen for fuel.
– C –
Cloning
Creating genetically identical organisms.
Cloning Facility
A laboratory for creating genetically identical organisms.
Cryonics
Freezing the human body for future reanimation.
Cryosleep
Induced hibernation for long-duration space travel.
Cybernetics
Study of communication and control in living beings.
Cyberpunk
A subgenre of sci-fi with a focus on cybernetics and dystopian settings.
Cyberspace
A virtual reality space for digital interaction.
– D –
Data Crystal
A storage medium for vast data in compact form.
Dyson Dyke
A variation of the Dyson Sphere designed for defense.
Dyson Ring
A rotating structure around a star for energy capture.
Dyson Sphere
A megastructure around a star to harness its energy.
Dyson Swarm
A collection of solar-collecting satellites.
Dystopia
A nightmarish, oppressive society or future.
– E –
Earth-Like Exoplanet
Planets with conditions similar to Earth.
Exobiology
Study of life beyond Earth, including alien biology.
Exoplanetary Life
Life forms on planets outside our solar system.
Exoplanets
Planets outside our solar system.
Exospecies
Non-humanoid extraterrestrial life forms.
Exosuit
Wearable robotic exoskeletons for enhanced abilities.
– F –
Fermi Paradox
The apparent contradiction between the vastness of the universe and the lack of extraterrestrial life contact.
Fermion
A class of subatomic particles, e.g., electrons.
Fringe Science
Theoretical or unconventional scientific concepts.
FTL (Faster-Than-Light)
Travel exceeding the speed of light.
FTL Communication
Instantaneous communication over vast distances.
Fungus-Based Life
Alien life forms composed of fungal organisms.
– G –
Galactic Center
The core region of a galaxy with unique properties.
Galactic Council
A governing body representing multiple star systems.
Galactic Empire
A vast interstellar government or civilization.
Genetic Engineering
Altering DNA to modify organisms.
Genetic Memory
Inherited or implanted ancestral memories.
Genetic Mutation
Alterations in an organism’s DNA sequence.
– H –
Hive Mind
A collective consciousness shared among a group.
Holo-Suit
Clothing capable of creating holographic disguises.
Holodeck
Virtual reality environments in Star Trek.
Holographic Display
Three-dimensional images projected in the air.
Holography
3D images created by light interference.
Holopresence
The ability to be present in multiple locations simultaneously.
– I –
Inertial Dampeners
Technology to negate acceleration forces on a spaceship.
Inhibitor
Advanced alien technology preventing space travel.
Interdimensional Travel
Moving between different dimensions or realities.
Invisibility Cloak
Technology to make objects invisible.
Ion Cannon
A powerful weapon using ionized particles.
Ion Drive
Propulsion system using ionized particles.
– J –
Jetpack
Personal propulsion device for flying.
Jump Beacon
A navigational aid for FTL travel.
Jump Drive
Hypothetical propulsion system for instant travel.
Jump Gate
A wormhole or gateway for interstellar travel.
Jump Key
A device or mechanism to initiate FTL travel.
Jumpship
A spacecraft designed for faster-than-light travel.
– K –
Kaiju
Giant monsters often seen in Japanese sci-fi.
Kardashev Scale
A method of measuring a civilization’s energy usage.
Kardashev Type II
A civilization capable of harnessing all energy from its star.
Kessler Syndrome
The exponential growth of space debris in orbit.
Kinetic Weapons
High-speed projectiles used as weapons.
Kryptonite
A fictional mineral weakening Superman.
– L –
Lazer Blaster
A powerful energy weapon often in sci-fi battles.
Light Saber
Energy-based weapon in the Star Wars universe.
Light Speed
The speed of light, often a limit in space travel.
Light Speed Barrier
A theoretical limit to traveling at the speed of light.
Light-Year
The distance light travels in a year, a unit of space measurement.
Luminous Being
Energy-based, non-physical entities in sci-fi.
– M –
Mecha
Giant piloted robots, often used in combat.
Mecha Suit
A powered exoskeleton suit used in combat.
Mecha War
Large-scale battles involving mechs and robots.
Mechsuit Pilot
A person controlling a mechanical exosuit.
Memory Transfer
Transferring one’s memories and consciousness.
Mind Upload
Transferring consciousness into a digital form.
– N –
Nano Armor
Clothing or technology made of nanomaterials.
Nano Replicator
A nanoscale device for creating objects.
Nanobots
Tiny robots used for medical, repair, or other purposes.
Nanotechnology
Manipulating matter on an atomic or molecular scale.
Neural Interface
Connecting the brain to machines or computers.
Neuromancer
A hacker who interacts with cyberspace mentally.
– O –
Omega Point
A theoretical maximum level of intelligence.
Omniverse
The collection of all possible universes and realities.
Oort Cloud
A region of icy objects at the outer edge of the solar system.
Organic Spaceship
Living or biologically integrated spacecraft.
Organic Technology
Technology grown from biological organisms.
– P –
Parallel Processing
Multiple processors working on a task simultaneously.
Parallel Universe
A universe running alongside our own with variations.
Photon Torpedo
High-energy weapon used in Star Trek space battles.
Planetary Shield
Protective barriers around a planet.
Psi Corps
A government agency controlling psi powers.
Psi Powers
Psychic or paranormal abilities in characters.
– Q –
Quantum Computer
A computer that uses quantum bits (qubits) for processing.
Quantum Cryptography
Unbreakable encryption using quantum principles.
Quantum Entanglement
Connection between particles regardless of distance.
Quantum Leap
Instantaneous or extreme change in position.
Quantum Mechanics
Physics at the smallest scales and probabilistic.
Quasar
Bright and energetic centers of distant galaxies.
– R –
Reality Distortion Field
A technology that alters perception of reality.
Replicant
Artificial beings with human-like characteristics.
Replicator
Device creating objects from raw materials.
Robot Companion
Humanoid robots designed for companionship.
Robot Rebellion
Robots rebelling against human control.
Robots
Machines designed to carry out tasks autonomously.
– S –
Singularity
A hypothetical point when AI surpasses human intellect.
Space Elevator
A structure for reaching space from the Earth’s surface.
Spacesuit
Protective gear for spacewalks or alien environments.
Stargate
A portal to travel between distant locations.
Stasis Field
Technology to put objects or people in suspended animation.
Subspace
A hypothetical region for FTL communication.
Suspended Animation
A state in which an organism’s metabolic processes are significantly slowed down or temporarily halted, often for medical or space travel purposes, preserving the organism in a state of reduced activity.
– T –
Teleportation
Instantaneous travel from one location to another.
Terraforming
Altering a planet’s environment to make it habitable.
Time Loop
A repeating time segment or cycle.
Time Paradox
An inconsistency in time travel narratives.
Time Travel
Journeying to the past or future through time.
Transhumanism
Advocating human enhancement through technology.
– U –
Universal Basic Income
Guaranteed income for all citizens.
Universal Constructor
A device that can create any object.
Universal Remote
A device capable of controlling any technology.
Universal Translator
Device for instant language translation.
Uplift
Elevating non-sentient creatures to intelligence.
Uplifted Species
Non-sentient creatures enhanced to intelligence.
– V –
Virtual Assistant
AI-driven programs assisting users in various tasks.
Virtual Reality
Immersive computer-simulated environments.
Virtual Reality Addiction
Excessive use of VR technology.
Vortex Manipulator
Time-traveling device in the Doctor Who series.
VR Gaming
Gaming within virtual reality environments.
– W –
Warp Core
Engine generating the warp field in Star Trek.
Warp Drive
Hypothetical propulsion system for space travel.
Warp Speed
The velocity of FTL travel in Star Trek.
Warpgate
Portal for rapid interstellar travel.
Wormhole
A tunnel through spacetime, connecting distant points.
Wormhole Nexus
A region with numerous interconnected wormholes.
– X –
X-Ray Vision
Fictional ability to see through solid objects.
Xenoarcheology
The study of ancient alien artifacts and ruins.
Xenobiology
Study of alien life forms and their biology.
Xenolinguistics
The study of alien languages and communication.
Xenophobia
Fear or hatred of alien life forms.
Xenotransplantation
Transplanting alien organs into humans.
– Y –
Yottabyte
A unit of data storage, extremely large.
Youth Serum
A substance that reverses aging or grants immortality.
– Z –
Zeppelin
Airships used for travel in futuristic settings.
Zero Gravity
Weightlessness in space due to microgravity.
Zero-Gravity Sports
Athletic competitions in microgravity environments.
Zero-Gravity Surgery
Medical procedures in microgravity environments.
Zero-Point Energy
Energy extracted from the vacuum of space.
Zero-Point Module
A power source in the Stargate universe.
Further reading
These entries are just a tiny fraction of the endless states, concepts, technologies and contraptions described in Science Fiction. With each new term we explore in the glossary of Science Fiction lingo, we draw closer to comprehending the boundless potential of the genre and, perhaps, unlocking the secrets of our own future.
For further reading into the subject, you can read:
