The use of metaphor to explain scientific discovery and theory is examined. It is argued that not only does metaphor help to identify and explain new information, it actually influences experience and perception of the world. The language that is developed to understand the world thus affects the way the world is perceived. Sample metaphors from electronics terminology and scientific theories, e.g., Bohr, genetic, and linguistic models, are represented. It is concluded that, in addition to its communicative value, metaphor has scientific value as well in that it serves as a research tool for new scientific discovery. (LLBA 1999, vol. 33, n. 2)