132 Glossary
Glossary
Vowels
iː fatigue
i ductility
ɪ acoustics
e access
æ alloy
ɑː artifical
ɒ concept
ɔː absorb
Consonants
p piston
b batch
t tough
d decibel
k jetpack
g gas
tʃ charge
dʒ flange
absorb /əbˈsɔ:b, -ˈzɔ:b/ v to take in a liquid
or gas from the surface or space around
absorption /əbˈsɔ:pʃn, -ˈzɔ:pʃn/ n the
process of a liquid or gas being taken in
from the surface or space around
acceleration /əkˌseləˈreɪʃn/ n the change
or increase in velocity in a certain time
access /ˈækses/ n permission to enter a
place, especially a restricted area
accurate /ˈækjərət/ adj how close a
measurement is to its true value (see
precision)
acoustics /əˈku:stɪks/ n the scientific study
of sound and sound waves
additive layer manufacturing (ALM)
/ˈædətɪv ˈleɪə ˌmænjuˌfæktʃərɪŋ, ˌeɪ
ˌel ˈem/ n the process of making
components by a process similar to laser
printing layer upon layer
air compressor /ˈeə kəmˌpresə(r)/ n a machine
used to increase the pressure of a gas
alloy /ˈælɔɪ/ n a metal that is made by
combining two or more metals
alternating current (AC) /ˌɒlt-, ˌɔ:ltəˌneɪtɪŋ
ˈkʌrənt/ n the flow of an electrical current
in a constant cycle backwards and forwards.
Electricity to homes and businesses is
delivered in alternating current.
amount /əˈmaʊnt/ n a quantity of something
ampere /ˈæmpeə/ n the unit for measuring
electric current
amplify /ˈæmplɪfaɪ/ v to increase
something in strength, especially voltage,
current, and sound
Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
ʊ input
uː centrifugal
u manufacturing
ʌ combustion
ɜː certify
ə capture
eɪ acceleration
əʊ code
f fatigue
v volume
θ thermal
ð with
s safety
z exhaust
ʃ substation
ʒ corrosion
arc welding /ˈɑ:k ˌweldɪŋ/ n the joining
together of pieces of similar metals
using an electric arc (=an electric current
flowing between two points)
architectural /ˌɑ:kɪˈtektʃərəl/ adj
connected to the design and construction
of buildings
artificial /ˌɑ:tɪˈfɪʃl/ adj made to copy a
natural thing or substance; not real
atmosphere /ˈætməsfɪə(r)/ n the air and
gases that surround the Earth
audible /ˈɔ:dəbl/ adj loud enough for
people to hear clearly
batch /bætʃ/ n a quantity of something
produced at one time
bending /ˈbendɪŋ/ n movement that
causes the formation of a curve
binary /ˈbaɪnərɪ/ adj using only 0 and 1 as a
system of numbers
bolting /ˈbəʊltɪŋ/ n securing a screw into a
nut to fasten something together
bottleneck /ˈbɒtlnek/ n steps in a process
that slow the whole process down
break even /ˌbreɪk ˈi:vn/ v to reach the
point at which cost and income are equal
and there is neither profit nor loss
brittle /ˈbrɪtl/ adj hard but easily broken
buoyancy /ˈbɔɪənsi/ n reduction in weight
by immersion in liquid
by-product /ˈbaɪ ˌprɒdʌkt/ n a product
that is made as a result of making or
destroying another product
capacitor /kəˈpæsɪtə(r)/ n a device that
stores small amounts of electric charge
aɪ by-product
aʊ amount
ɔɪ buoyancy
ɪə engineer
eə air
ʊə durable
h hertz
m mass
n newton
ŋ manufacturing
l laser
r radiation
j yield
w waste
capture /ˈkæptʃə(r)/ v to collect something
and remove it from the environment
carbon capture and storage (CCS) /ˈkɑ:bən
ˌkæptʃər ən ˈstɔ:rɪdʒ, ˌsi: ˌsi: ˈes/ n a
way of catching the carbon produced by
machines so that it is not released into
the atmosphere
carbon cycle /ˈkɑ:bən ˌsaɪkl/ n the
continuous circulation of carbon between
living organisms and their surroundings
carbon sequestration /ˈkɑ:bn
ˌsi:kwəˌstreɪʃn/ n the capture of carbon
dioxide that aims to prevent the build-up
of greenhouse gases
centrifugal pump /ˌsentrɪˌfju:gl ˈpʌmp/ n a
machine that draws in and spins a liquid
throwing out at a higher pressure
certification review /ˌsɜ:tɪfɪˌkeɪʃn
rɪˈvju:/ n a process that produces a
document confirming that a product has
been made to set standards, codes, and
specifications
certify /ˈsɜ:tɪfaɪ/ v to give an official
document stating that required standards
or specifications have been met
certifying agency /ˈsɜ:tɪˌfaɪɪŋ ˌeɪdʒənsi/ n
an organization that confirms that a
product is safe and made to the right
quality by doing independent testing and
sending it to be checked
chemical /ˈkemɪkl/ adj connected to the
scientific structure of substances and how
they react and behave under different
conditions

circuit /ˈsɜ:kɪt/ n a complete path around
which an electrical current can flow
circuit breaker /ˈsɜ:kɪt ˌbreɪkə(r)/ n a
device designed to break the flow in an
electrical circuit
circuit diagram /ˈsɜ:kɪt ˌdaɪəgræm/ n the
plan of an electrical circuit
civil /ˈsɪvl/ adj connected with the design,
construction, and maintenance of the
physical environment
clock rate /ˈklɒk ˌreɪt/ n the speed at which
a microprocessor executes instructions
code /kəʊd/ n a standard that has become
part of the law
code (computer) /kəʊd/ n a set of
instructions that a computer can
understand
combustion /kəmˈbʌstʃən/ n a chemical
process in which substances combine
with oxygen to produce heat and light
comply with /kəmˈplaɪ ˌwɪð/ v to meet a
set of specifications or requirements
component /kəmˈpəʊnənt/ n a part or
element of a larger whole, especially a
part of a machine or vehicle
compressed /kəmˈprest/ adj to have been
squeezed or pressed to a smaller size
compression /kəmˈpreʃn/ n the process or
result of making something smaller by
pressing it
compressive strain /kəmˌpresɪv ˈstreɪn/ n
the reduction in the length of a material,
in relation to its original length when it is
pressed
computed tomography (CT) /kəmˌpju:tɪd
təˈmɒgrəfi, ˌsi: ˈti:/ n a medical imaging
method of examining body organs by
scanning them with X-rays created by
computer processing
concept /ˈkɒnsept/ n a design proposal
that requires more development
conduction /kənˈdʌkʃn/ n the process by
which heat or electricity passes through
a material
conductor /kənˈdʌktə(r)/ n an object or
substance that allows electricity to pass
along or through it
consumer electronics /kənˌsju:mər
ɪˌlekˈtrɒnɪks/ n electronic equipment
intended for everyday use, e.g. television,
radio
convection /kənˈvekʃn/ n the flow of heat
through a gas or a liquid which creates a
cycle in which the hotter part rises and
the cooler part sinks
corrosion /kəˈrəʊʒn/ n the gradual
destruction of metal by chemical action
CPU (central processing unit) /ˌsi: ˌpi: ˈju:,
ˌsentrəl ˈprəʊsesɪŋ ˌju:nɪt/ n the part of a
computer that controls all the other parts
create /kriˈeɪt/ v to make something exist
or happen
current /ˈkʌrənt/ n the flow of electricity
through a conductor
deceleration /ˌdi:seləˈreɪʃn/ n the decrease
in velocity with respect to time
decibel /ˈdesɪbel/ n a unit for measuring
the intensity [loudness] of sound
decimal /ˈdesɪml/ adj based on or counted
in tens or tenths
deflection /dɪˈflekʃn/ n the change you can
measure when a material bends
dense /dens/ adj heavy in relation to its
volume
density /ˈdensəti/ n mass per unit of
volume of a substance
design considerations /dɪˈzaɪn
kənˌsɪdəˌreɪʃnz/ n the features and uses
of a product that have to be considered
detailed design /ˈdi:teɪld dɪˌzaɪn/ n a plan
or drawing that is well developed so that
parts can be made
digit /ˈdɪdʒɪt/ n any of the numbers from
0 to 9
diode /ˈdaɪəʊd/ n an electronic device in
which the electric current moves in one
direction only
direct current (DC) /dəˈrekt, dɪ-, daɪ-
ˌkʌrənt/ n an electric current that flows
in one direction only
dispose of /dɪˈspəʊz ɒv/ v to throw away or
get rid of something that you do not want
dissipate /ˈdɪsɪpeɪt/ v to scatter or disperse
something to get rid of it
ductile /ˈdʌktaɪl/ adj being able to be
permanently stretched without breaking
ductility /dʌkˈtɪləti/ n the property of
a material that can be permanently
stretched without breaking
durable /ˈdjʊərəbl/ adj lasting a long time,
not wearing out
efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ n the relationship
between the amount of energy that goes
into a machine or engine and the amount
that it produces, often expressed as a
percentage
efficient /ɪˈfɪʃnt/ adj doing something
quickly, effectively, and without waste
electrical /ɪˈlektrɪkl/ adj connected with
the presence and flow of electric charge
electromagnetic suspension (EMS)
/ɪˌlektrəʊmægˌnetɪk səˈspenʃn, ˌi: ˌem ˈes/
n one of the electromagnetic systems of
lifting and moving vehicles so that wheels
and engines are not needed
electronic /ɪˌlekˈtrɒnɪk/ adj having or using
many small parts, such as microchips, that
control and direct a small electric current
emission /iˈmɪʃn/ n a substance, especially
a gas, that goes into the air
emit /iˈmɪt/ v to send something out into
the air, such as light, heat, sound, or gas
Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
Glossary 133
energy economy /ˈenədʒi ɪˌkɒnəmi/ n
where technologies are designed to use
less fuel, heat, or energy so that money
can be saved
exhaust /ɪgˈzɔ:st/ n waste gases that come
out of a machine, vehicle, or engine as it
works
exhaust emissions /ɪgˈzɔ:st iˌmɪʃnz/ n
waste gases that come out of an engine
expand /ɪkˈspænd/ v to increase the
volume of a gas
extension–load graph /ɪkˈstenʃn ˈləʊd
ˌgrɑ:f/ n a graph that shows how a
material behaves when it is stretched
farad /ˈfæræd/ n a unit which measures
the amount of charge on a capacitor for a
given potential difference
fatigue /fəˈti:g/ n gradual failure of materials
such as metals under repeated low stress
flange /flændʒ/ n an edge such as a ridge
or rim that has been added to something
to make it stronger, keep it in position,
or allow it to be more easily fastened to
other parts
flexible /ˈfleksəbl/ adj able to bend easily
without breaking
float /fləʊt/ v to rest or move on or near
the surface of a liquid such as water
without sinking
fluid /ˈflu:ɪd/ n the state of a substance
such as air and water that can flow and
fill any shape
force /fɔ:s/ n a push or pull exerted by one
object on another. Weight is a force.
fossil fuel /ˈfɒsl ˌfju:əl/ n fuel such as gas,
coal, or oil, that was formed over millions
of years from the remains of animals or
plants
frequency /ˈfri:kwənsi/ n the number of
waves passing through a point per second
friction /ˈfrɪkʃn/ n the force which makes
it difficult for one object to slide along the
surface of another
fuel consumption /ˈfju:əl kənˌsʌmpʃn/ n
the act of using fuel or the amount of fuel
an engine uses
gas /gæs/ n the state of a substance such
as air that can expand to fill any space
and is easily expanded or compressed
generator /ˈdʒenəreɪtə(r)/ n a machine
that produces electricity
global warming /ˌgləʊbl ˈwɔ:mɪŋ/ n the
sustained increase in the average
temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere,
caused by the increase of particular gases,
especially carbon dioxide
heat engine /ˈhi:t ˌendʒɪn/ n a machine
that converts heat into work
hertz /hɜ:ts/ n a unit for measuring the
frequency of waves in cycles per second
hybrid /ˈhaɪbrɪd/ adj something that is the
product of two or more different things
134 Glossary
hydrocarbon /ˌhaɪdrəˈkɑ:bən/ n a chemical
made up of hydrogen and carbon. Petrol,
gas, and coal are all hydrocarbons.
hydrofoil /ˈhaɪdrəfɔɪl/ n a boat that rises
above the surface of the water when it is
travelling fast
hydrostatic pressure /ˌhaɪdrəˌstætɪk
ˈpreʃə(r)/ n the pressure at any given
point of a non-moving fluid
identify /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ/ v to recognize
something and understand what it is
impact /ˈɪmpækt/ n the act of one object
hitting another
improve /ɪmˈpru:v/ v to make something
better than before
input /ˈɪnpʊt/ n the binary (0 or 1)
information that goes into a logic gate
inspection /ɪnˈspekʃn/ n a close examination
to check that there are no errors
inspector /ɪnˈspektə(r)/ n a person whose
job is to check that parts have been made
correctly
insulator /ˈɪnsjuleɪtə(r)/ n a material that
electricity can’t flow through
intake /ˈɪnteɪk/ n the part of a machine or
engine where air or fuel is taken in
integrated circuit /ˈɪntɪgreɪtɪd ˌsɜ:kɪt/ n a
small microchip that contains a large
number of electrical connections and
performs the same function as a larger
circuit made from separate parts
jet propulsion /ˈdʒet prəˌpʌlʃn/ n motion
produced by accelerating fluids in the
opposite direction to the direction of
motion
jetpack /ˈdʒetpæk/ n a device, worn on the
back, propelled by jets of escaping fluid,
enabling a single user to fly
JIT ( just in time) /ˌdʒeɪ ˌaɪ ˈti:, ˌdʒʌst ˌɪn
ˈtaɪm/ adj a manufacturing system in
which parts or materials are produced or
delivered as they are needed to prevent
wasted storage space, etc.
LAN (local area network) /læn, ˌləʊkl ˌeəriə
ˈnetwɜ:k/ n a computer network that
interconnects computers in a limited area
such as a school or office building
laser /ˈleɪzə(r)/ n a device that produces a
powerful beam of light that can be used
as a tool for cutting metal or in medical
operations
lean manufacturing /ˌli:n ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ/
n a production process that aims to
eliminate waste in design, manufacturing,
and distribution of a product
length /leŋθ/ n the size or measurement of
something from one end to the other
linear motor /ˈlɪniə ˌməʊtə(r)/ n a motor
that produces power in a straight line by
direct induction rather than with the use
of gears
Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
liquid /ˈlɪkwɪd/ n the state of a substance
such as water that is neither solid nor gas
and flows freely to take the shape of its
container
load /ləʊd/ n the force that is applied to
an object
load cell /ˈləʊd ˌsel/ n a device that
measures loads
logic /ˈlɒdʒɪk/ n a system or set of
principles used in preparing a computer to
perform a particular task
logic gate /ˈlɒdʒɪk ˌgeɪt/ n an electronic
switch that performs a logical operation
on one or more logic inputs and produces
a single logic output
maglev /ˈmæglev/ n a system using
electrical and magnetic rather than
mechanical methods to support vehicles
by electromagnetic force
magnet /ˈmægnət/ n an object that
produces a magnetic field with two ends:
a north pole and a south pole. Opposite
poles attract each other, while the same
poles repel or push each other away.
magnetic polarity /mægˌnetɪk
pəˈlærəti/ n the two ends of a magnet,
the north pole and the south pole,
produced by a magnetic field
mainframe /ˈmeɪnfreɪm/ n a powerful
computer, usually the centre of a network
and shared by many users
malleable /ˈmæliəbl/ adj able to be pressed
or hammered into shape
manufacturing /ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ/ n the
business or industry of producing goods
marketing /ˈmɑ:kətɪŋ/ n the activity of
presenting, advertising, and promoting a
product or service in the best possible way
mass /mæs/ n a measure of a body’s
resistance to acceleration; basically, the
quantity of material that something
contains
mass production /ˌmæs prəˈdʌkʃn/ n the
manufacture of goods in large quantities,
often using standardized designs,
machinery, and division of labour
materials /məˈtɪəriəlz/ n substances from
which things are made
mechanical /məˈkænɪkl/ adj connected
with machines and engines and how they
operate
medical imaging /ˌmedɪkl ˈɪmɪdʒɪŋ/ n the
technique and process used to create
images of the human body, e.g. scanning
microchip /ˈmaɪkrəʊtʃɪp/ n a very
small piece of silicon used to carry a
complicated electronic circuit
microprocessor /ˌmaɪkrəʊˈprəʊsesə(r)/ n a
small unit of a computer that contains all
the functions of a central processing unit
(CPU)
network /ˈnetwɜ:k/ n computers and other
devices that are connected together so
that equipment and information can be
shared
newton (N) /ˈnju:tən/ n a unit of force,
equal to the amount of net force required
to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a
rate of one metre per second squared
numerical /nju:ˈmerɪkl/ adj relating to or
expressed in numbers
out of tolerance /ˌaʊt əv ˈtɒlərəns/ adj
outside the acceptable variance of a
measurement
output /ˈaʊtpʊt/ n the information or
results produced by a computer
parabolic /ˌpærəˈbɒlɪk/ adj having a
curved, bowl-like shape; parabolic
reflectors and antennas use this shape to
focus signals to a single point
PD (potential difference) /ˌpi: ˈdi:, pəˌtenʃl
ˈdɪfrəns/ n the difference in voltage
between two points in an electrical circuit
performance /pəˈfɔ:məns/ n the
effectiveness of a machine or vehicle
petrochemical /ˌpetrəʊˈkemɪkl/ n a chemical
made from petroleum or natural gas
piston /ˈpɪstən/ n a part of an engine that
consists of a short cylinder that fits inside
a tube and moves up and down to create
power
pole /pəʊl/ n one end of an object
producing a magnetic field: a north pole
or a south pole
practical /ˈpræktɪkl/ adj connected with
actually doing something rather than
ideas or theories
precision /prɪˈsɪʒn/ n consistency , lack of
variation in measurement
pressing /ˈpresɪŋ/ n the process of a metal
or plastic part being pressed into shape
pressure vessel /ˈpreʃə ˌvesl/ n a closed
container designed to hold fluids at
pressures different to atmospheric pressure
pressure–volume (PV) diagram /ˈpreʃə
ˈvɒlju:m, ˌpi: ˈvi: ˌdaɪəgræm/ n a graph
used to describe corresponding changes
in volume and pressure in a system
process engineer /ˈprəʊses ˌendʒɪˌnɪə(r)/ n
a person whose job is concerned with
industrial processes, especially continuous
ones, such as the production of chemicals
produce /prəˈdju:s/ v to make something
property /ˈprɒpəti/ n a quality or
characteristic that something has
property class /ˈprɒpəti ˌklɑ:s/ n marks on
the head of a bolt to show that it meets
strength specifications (= strength rating)
prototype /ˈprəʊtətaɪp/ n the first design
of something, made before it is produced
in large quantities
punching /ˈpʌntʃɪŋ/ n making a hole in
something with a tool or machine

quality assurance (QA) /ˈkwɒləti əˌʃʊərəns,
ˌkju: ˈeɪ/ n the practice of managing the
way goods are produced to make sure
they meet required standards
quality control (QC) /ˈkwɒləti kənˌtrəʊl,
ˌkju: ˈsi:/ n the practice of catching
errors in products and correcting them
before they go out
quenched /kwentʃt/ adj cooled rapidly in
order to make it harden, especially metal
radiation /ˌreɪdiˈeɪʃn/ n energy such as
heat or light that is sent out in the form of
electromagnetic waves
range /reɪndʒ/ n the total distance a
mechanical object (a car or an aircraft) can
travel before it needs more fuel
rapid prototyping /ˌræpɪd ˈprəʊtəˌtaɪpɪŋ/ n
a process used to create one copy of 3D
objects from designs
recertification /ˌri:ˌsɜ:tɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ n the
certification review that must take place
again if a product is changed or improved
reflect /rɪˈflekt/ v to throw back light or
sound waves from a surface
regulation /ˌregjuˈleɪʃn/ n an official rule
dealing with details or procedures that
control the way things are done, e.g. for
safety reasons
reject /ˈri:dʒekt/ n something that cannot
be used or sold because it does not meet
the required standard
reject /rɪˈdʒekt/ v to decide not to use
something because it is imperfect or
unsatisfactory
rejection slip /rɪˈdʒekʃn ˌslɪp/ n a short
report that explains why something does
not meet the required standard
resistance /rɪˈzɪstəns/ n the opposition of
a piece of electrical equipment to the flow
of a direct current
rework /ˌri:ˈwɜ:k/ v to correct a part that
would otherwise be rejected
safety /ˈseɪfti/ n the state of being safe
and protected from danger or harm
scrap /skræp/ v to dispose of something
not wanted or that cannot be used for its
original purpose
seismic /ˈsaɪzmɪk/ adj connected with or
caused by earthquakes
seismic loading /ˈsaɪzmɪk ˌləʊdɪŋ/ n the
forces on a structure due to earthquakes
semiconductor /ˌsemikənˈdʌktə(r)/ n a
device or material that can be made to act
as either an insulator or a conductor
server /ˈsɜ:və(r)/ n a computer program
that controls or supplies information
to several computers connected in a
network; the main computer on which
this program is run
smooth /smu:ð/ adj having an even surface
with no rough areas or lumps
solar array /ˌsəʊlər əˈreɪ/ n a system that
uses solar panels to convert sunlight into
electricity
solar energy /ˌsəʊlər ˈenədʒi/ n energy that
comes from the sun that is converted into
power
solution /səˈlu:ʃn/ n an action or process of
solving a problem
specify /ˈspesɪfaɪ/ v to give details to
suppliers or manufacturers defining their
requirements
speed–time graph /ˈspi:d ˈtaɪm ˌgrɑ:f/ n a
graph showing how fast an object is
travelling at any one time. The slope of
the line plotted by a speed–time graph
shows an object’s acceleration
spot welding /ˈspɒt ˌweldɪŋ/ n the joining
of two pieces of metal by means of heat
and pressure applied at points along the
surfaces
stiffness /ˈstɪfnəs/ n the quality of being
firm and difficult to bend
strain gauge /ˈstreɪn ˌgeɪdʒ/ n a device
used to measure the strain of an object
strength /streŋθ/ n the ability of something
to support a force without breaking
stress /stres/ n physical pressure put on
something that can break it or cause it to
change shape
stress–strain graph /ˈstres ˈstreɪn ˌgrɑ:f/ n
a graph that shows the strength, stiffness,
and toughness of materials and their
breaking point
substation /ˈsʌbsteɪʃn/ n a place where
electric power from a power station is
transformed for distribution to homes
and businesses
suction pump /ˈsʌkʃn ˌpʌmp/ n a machine
that sucks fluids to move them from one
place to another
switchroom /ˈswɪtʃru:m/ n part of
a building that houses switching
mechanisms and associated apparatus;
often high-voltage
teardrop shape /ˈtɪədrɒp ˌʃeɪp/ n a smooth
shape thick and round at one end and
thin and pointed at the other
telescope /ˈtelɪskəʊp/ n a piece of
equipment shaped like a tube, containing
lenses or mirrors, that you look through
to make objects that are far away appear
larger and nearer
tempered /ˈtempəd/ adj made tougher
after hardening as a result of it being
heated and cooled more slowly
tensile strain /ˈtensaɪl ˌstreɪn/ n the
increase in the length of a material, in
relation to its original length when it is
pulled
tensile strength /ˈtensaɪl ˌstreŋθ/ n the
extent to which something can support a
pulling force without breaking
Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
Glossary 135
terminal /ˈtɜ:mɪnl/ n computer equipment,
usually a keyboard and monitor, that joins
the user to a network
test /test/ v to try to use something such as a
machine or product to see how well it works
or find out more information about it
testing /ˈtestɪŋ/ n using or checking
something to see if it works correctly
thermal /ˈθɜ:ml/ adj relating to, caused by,
or generating heat
tough /tʌf/ adj can withstand damage
under shock
transformer /trænsˈfɔ:mə(r)/ n a device
that increases or decreases alternating
voltage
transistor /trænˈzɪstə(r)/ n a device that
controls the flow of electricity inside a
piece of electronic equipment such as a
radio or television
truth table /ˈtru:θ ˌteɪbl/ n a table,
showing the value of the output (0 or 1)
for each value (0 or 1) of the input in a
logic component or circuit
viscous /ˈvɪskəs/ adj of a fluid; having a
thick or sticky quality that resists internal
movement
visible /ˈvɪzəbl/ adj able to be seen by the
human eye
volt /vəʊlt, vɒlt/ n a unit for measuring
the force of an electric current
voltmeter /ˈvəʊltmi:tə(r)/ n an instrument
used for measuring voltage in an electric
circuit
volume /ˈvɒlju:m/ n the measurement of
the three-dimensional space occupied by
a material
waste /weɪst/ n materials that are no
longer needed and are thrown away
wavelength /ˈweɪvleŋθ/ n the distance
between any point on a wave and the
equivalent point on the next
wind loading /ˈwɪnd ˌləʊdɪŋ/ n the forces
on a structure due to wind
within tolerance /wɪˌðɪn ˈtɒlərəns/ adj
inside the amount by which a
measurement can vary without causing
problems
WLAN (wireless local area network)
/ˈdʌbl ˌju: ˌlæn, ˌwaɪələs ˌləʊkl ˌeəriə
ˈnetwɜ:k/ n a network linking two or
more computers in a limited area using a
wireless distribution method
yield strength /ˈji:ld ˌstreŋθ/ n the point
of stress at which a material begins to
deform plastically