What is the scientific word for cooking?

There isn't one specific scientific word for "cooking." However, depending on the context, you could use terms like:

* Culinary chemistry: This focuses on the chemical reactions that happen during cooking, such as the Maillard reaction (browning) and protein denaturation.

* Food science: This broader field encompasses the study of food properties, processing, and safety.

* Thermal processing: This refers to the use of heat to alter food, which is a core part of cooking.

* Food preparation: This term broadly describes all the steps involved in making food ready to eat, including cooking.

Ultimately, the most appropriate term depends on the specific aspect of cooking you're discussing.