Definition

Proper noun: - An independent U.S. government agency: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a federal agency tasked with advancing science and engineering. Its primary mission is to promote progress by funding research and education programs across these fields.

Usage

• The term National Science Foundation is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this agency. It is often abbreviated as NSF.
• It is typically used in formal, academic, governmental, and scientific contexts when discussing research funding, grants, policy, or scientific advancement.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "NSF-funded": An adjective describing research, projects, or positions supported by the National Science Foundation.
  • She leads an NSF-funded laboratory focusing on materials science.

Variants and Related Words

• NSF: The standard and widely used acronym for the National Science Foundation.
• Granting agency: A general term for an organization that provides funds for research, of which the NSF is a prime example in the U.S.

Synonyms

• Research funding agency: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary function.
• Federal science agency: A synonym emphasizing its governmental role and scientific focus.

Note: There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this proper noun, as it is the name of a specific institution.

Noun

1. an independent agency of the federal government responsible for the promotion of progress in science and engineering by supporting programs in research and education