TOEFL Vocabulary: Quantitative and technology language
40 hard-tier words, each with a short plain-English definition, followed by a quick quiz to check what stuck.
Test Ninjas Research · Updated October 1, 2026
Algorithms, gradients, vectors, probability and bandwidth: the vocabulary of mathematics and computing. It turns up when a talk or passage explains a model, a measurement or a digital system.
Quantitative and technology language is one of the hard themes in our TOEFL vocabulary list, where you can also find how the tiers work.
The 40 words
Quantitative and technology language — Hard tier
#
Word
Meaning
Tier
1
algorithm
an ordered procedure for solving a problem
Hard
2
analog
using a continuous physical signal or form
Hard
3
amplitude
the height or strength of a wave
Hard
4
bandwidth
the capacity of a connection to carry data
Hard
5
binary
based on two possible states or values
Hard
6
circuit
a closed path through which electricity moves
Hard
7
coefficient
a number multiplying a variable in an expression
Hard
8
component
one part of a larger system
Hard
9
computational
related to processing information by calculation
Hard
10
continuum
a range with no sharp breaks between points
Hard
11
discrete
separate and individually distinct
Hard
12
encryption
the coding of information to restrict access
Hard
13
exponential
changing by the same proportion over equal intervals
Hard
14
fraction
a number representing part of a whole
Hard
15
geometry
the study of shapes and spatial relationships
Hard
16
gradient
the rate of change across distance or values
Hard
17
interface
the point where people or systems interact
Hard
18
iteration
one repetition of a process
Hard
19
logarithm
the exponent needed to raise a base to a stated number
Hard
20
matrix
a rectangular arrangement of values
Hard
21
optimization
finding the best result under given limits
Hard
22
output
what a system produces
Hard
23
probability
the chance that an event will happen
Hard
24
proportional
changing in a consistent ratio
Hard
25
resolution
the level of detail a display or measure can show
Hard
26
simulation
a model that imitates a real process
Hard
27
spatial
related to position or space
Hard
28
spectrum
a continuous range of related values
Hard
29
statistical
related to analysis of numerical data
Hard
30
substrate
a base material on which a process occurs
Hard
31
throughput
the amount a system can process in a period
Hard
32
topology
the arrangement of connections in a system
Hard
33
trajectory
the path followed by a moving object or process
Hard
34
unit
a standard amount used for measurement
Hard
35
vector
a quantity with size and direction
Hard
36
virtual
created by a computer rather than physically present
Hard
37
approximation
a value close to an exact one
Hard
38
digitize
to convert information into digital form
Hard
39
input
information or material put into a system
Hard
40
wavelength
the distance between matching points on a wave
Hard
Self-check: match the meaning
Cover the table above. Here are 8 of the 40 quantitative and technology language words, starting with algorithm: choose the word each definition describes.
an ordered procedure for solving a problem
algorithm
fraction
spectrum
vector
Show answer
A. algorithm
a closed path through which electricity moves
logarithm
circuit
trajectory
wavelength
Show answer
B. circuit
separate and individually distinct
proportional
digitize
discrete
binary
Show answer
C. discrete
the rate of change across distance or values
statistical
amplitude
continuum
gradient
Show answer
D. gradient
finding the best result under given limits
optimization
unit
component
geometry
Show answer
A. optimization
a model that imitates a real process
input
simulation
exponential
matrix
Show answer
B. simulation
the amount a system can process in a period
bandwidth
iteration
throughput
resolution
Show answer
C. throughput
created by a computer rather than physically present
computational
probability
substrate
virtual
Show answer
D. virtual
Using quantitative and technology language words on the test
In Read an Academic Passage, bandwidth and discrete often carry a paragraph's main point, so check how each one connects to the sentence before it.
In Listen to an Academic Talk, a speaker may define iteration or resolution on the spot; note the definition, not just the word.
40, from algorithm to wavelength, all in the hard tier of our TOEFL list. The self-check quiz on this page tests 8 of them, beginning with algorithm.
Language like this is most useful in Read an Academic Passage and Listen to an Academic Talk. Treat them mainly as recognition vocabulary; passages usually give enough context for the specialist terms.
Start with circuit (a closed path through which electricity moves); gradient (the rate of change across distance or values); simulation (a model that imitates a real process). In Read an Academic Passage, bandwidth and discrete often carry a paragraph's main point, so check how each one connects to the sentence before it.