Alternator: (n) a device that generates an alternating current Vacuum: (n) a space that is entirely empty of matter; where
matter; where all air Eliminate: (v) to get rid of something
Ampere (amp): (n) the unit of electric current
Certification: (n) the act of certifying something with an official
document
Charge: (n) the physical property of matter that causes it to experience
a force when placed in an electromagnetic field. There are two types
of charge - positive and negative.
Current: (n) the movement of electricity through a wire, cable, etc.
Device: (n) a small piece of electronic technology that performs a
particular function
Electromagnet: (n) a piece of metal that becomes a magnet when an
electric current is passed through it
Electron: (n) the part of an atom with a negative electrical charge
Fibre-optics: (n) a technology involving thin cables with glass centres,
allowing light signals to pass through
Field: (n) a particular branch or activity that people study, work in or
are interested in
In series: (phrase) relating to electrical components which are set out
so the current passes through each one in turn
Induction: (n) the making of electricity in a conductor by altering the
magnetic field applied to it
Inductor coil: (n) a passive two-terminal electrical component that
stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through
it
Infrared: Adj) relating to waves with a wavelength greater than those
of red light in the spectrum, emitted by heated objects
Intensity: (n) the strong effect of something, (e.g., brightness or a
magnetic field) which can be measured
Kilowatt: (n) a unit for calculating electrical power; one thousand
watts
Law: (n) a scientific or mathematical rule that is always true
Leakage: (n) the gradual transfer of energy across an insulating
boundary
Luminous: (adj) bright or shining in the dark; giving off light
Magnetic: (adj) having the properties of a magnet
Microwave: (n) an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength, shorter
than a radio wave but longer than infrared radiation
Node: (n) a point in a network or diagram at which two lines or
pathways intersect
Ohmmeter: (n) an instrument for measuring electrical resistance
Overload: (v) to put too great a demand on something, such as an
electrical system
Professional: (n) someone who has a high level of education and
specialized training; (adj) relating to a job which requires a high level
of education and specialized training
Proton: (n) a very small particle that has a positive electric charge that
forms part of the atomic nuclei
Radar: (n) a system that uses radio waves to pick up the movement of
things that are far away
Radiation: (n) heat, energy, etc., sent out as electromagnetic waves,
which can be very dangerous in large amounts
Resistance: (n) the degree to which a substance or device opposes the
passage of an electric current
Spark: (n) a small flash of light created by a sudden electric discharge
Thermal: (adj) related to heat
Transistor: (n) part of a circuit that either acts as a switch or an
amplified electrical signal
Transmission: (n) the mechanism of transmitting an electronic signal
or message
Ultrasonic: (adj) related to sound waves with a frequency that is
higher than humans can hear
Voltage: (n) an electromotive force or potential difference expressed
in volts
Wave: (n) the pattern that many types of energy form (e.g., sound,
light, heat) as they move
Wire: (n) metal which has been drawn out into a thin, flexible thread;
a flexible metallic conductor
Advancement: (n) the process of helping something develop or
improve
Amplifier: (n) an electronic device or piece of equipment that makes
electrical signals stronger
Application: (n) the process of putting something into operation,
especially a theory or discovery
Broadcast: (n) a radio or television programme or transmission; (v) to
transmit programmes on television, radio or the internet
Component: (n) a part or element of a larger item or assembly
Conductor: (n) a substance or device that transmits heat or electricity
Demand: (n) the amount something is wanted or needed; (v) to
require something such as time or effort in order for something to be
done effectively
Development: (n) improvement over time
Distribution: (n) the way something is supplied or shared out
Electronics: (n) the branch of scientific and technological study of
electric currents and the electronic equipment using it
Element: (n) a chemical substance that cannot be divided into
simpler substances; an important part of something
Filament: (n) a long slender conducting wire that looks like a thread,
such as is found in a light bulb
Foundation: (n) the underlying idea, basis or principle that something
is based on and that it grows from
Generator: (n) a machine that converts mechanical energy into
electricity
Grid: (n) a network of electrical power
Incandescent: (adj) emitting light when heated
Increase: (n) a rise in the size, degree or amount of something
Insulated: (adj) protected by material that prevents the loss of heat,
sound, electricity, etc.
Integrated: (adj) in which many different parts are closely linked or
coordinated and work well together
Light bulb: (n) the glass part that is inserted into an electric lamp,
which provides light when switched on
Microprocessor: (n) the part of a computer that is able to process
data
Network: (n) an interconnection of electrical components
Safety: (n) how safe something is; not dangerous
Semiconductor: (n) a solid substance that conducts electricity,
greater than insulators but not as good as conductors
Signal: (n) a series of electrical waves which are transmitted to a
radio, television, mobile phone, etc.
Switch: (v) to change from one position to another, such as a light
switch between on and off
Telegraph: (n) a system of sending messages over long distances
along a wire that carries electrical signals
Triode: (n) a valve that has three electrodes
and gas have been removed
Wireless: (adj) using waves to send information rather than physical
wires
Calculation: (n) the procedure of using numbers to find out the
amount of something
Coil: (n) a sequence of circles made by winding up a length of
something, such as a wire
Compass: (n) an instrument which shows direction, with a needle that
always points north
Constant: (n) a situation or quantity that does not change; (adj)
happening all the time
Degeneration: (n) the process or state of becoming worse
Demagnetize: (v) to remove the magnetic quality from something
Empirical: (adj) verifiable by observation or experience
Equation: (n) a statement which shows that two amounts or values are
equal using mathematical symbols
Glow: (v) to give out a soft, steady light without flame
Heat: (v) to make something become hot or warm
Linear: (adj) able to be expressed as a straight line on a graph
Measurement: (n) the action of finding the exact value of something
by measuring it
Multimeter: (n) a tool designed to measure electric current, voltage
and resistance
Multiplication: (n) a sum where numbers are multiplied together
Non-linear: (adj) not able to be expressed as a straight line on a graph
Perpendicular: (adj) forming an angle of 90 degrees to a given line or
surface
Photovoltaic: (adj) relating to a system for creating electricity directly
from the sun's rays
Polarity: (n) the direction of a magnetic or electric field
Potential: (adj) the quantity determining the charge in an electric field
Proportional: (adj) corresponding in size, amount or degree to
something else
Relationship: (n) the way in which two or more things are connected
or behave towards each other
Reluctance: (n) the opposition to magnetic field flux through a given
volume of material or space
Resistor: (n) a device having resistance to the movement of an electric current in a circuit
Rise: (n) an increase in the amount or level of something
Supply: (n) an amount of a thing that is available for use; (v) to make
something available for use
Terminal: (n) a point of contact for closing an electric circuit
Turns: (n) moving in a circular direction around an axis or point (e.g.,
the turns in a coil)
Access: (n) the ability to enter a place or system; (v) to enter a place
or a system
Browse: (v) to look through lots of information in a casual way; to
consider various options
Circuit board: (n) a board containing an electric circuit inside an
electrical device
Data: (n) raw information gained from research or observation
Database: (n) a large collection of organized information
Default: (n) what happens or appears if you make no other choice or
change
Hyperlink: (n) a clickable link on a webpage that takes the user to a
different webpage
Index: (n) a framework used to compare values of things that change
over time
Intranet: (n) the connection between individual computers in a system
Keyword: (n) a word or phrase that you type on a computer keyboard
to search for information
Log in (log on): (v) to access an online system using personal
identifying details
Log out (log off): (v) to disconnect from an online system
Search engine: (n) a powerful computer system that can search a very
large amount of information almost instantly
Username/id: (n) a name that is unique to each user of a system that is
used to identify them
Appliance: (n) a device or piece of electrical equipment designed to
have a particular purpose in the home
Aspect: (n) a specific part or feature of something
Channel: (n) a method or system of communicating with people,
getting information or getting something done
Commercial: (adj) related to large businesses; designed to make a
profit
Compact: (adj) taking up a small amount of space
Decline: (v) to gradually become smaller, fewer or worse; (n) the state
in which something continuously reduces in value, importance, quality
or strength
Display: (v) to show on a screen; (n) what is shown on a screen
Drop: (n) a fall in the amount, level or rate of something; (v) to cause
something to move to a lower level
Economical: (adj) not using more of something than is necessary (e.g.,
fuel, money)
Gradually: (adv) slowly, in a gradual way, over a long period of time
or distance
Image: (n) a physical or mental picture
Immovable: (adj) not able to be moved
Resolution: (n) the degree of detail visible on a screen
Setting: (n) the place where something is positioned
Sharply: (adv) quickly and dramatically; by a large amount
Substance: (n) a particular material
Twisted: (adj) bent so that the natural or proper shape is changed or
lost
Unchanged: (adj) staying the same; not changed
Worsen: (v) to become worse than it was before; to make something
become worse
Accelerator: (n) the foot pedal in a vehicle that you press to control
the speed of the engine
Adaptive: (adj) able to adapt to different situations when necessary
Brake: (v) to make a moving vehicle stop or go slower using the brake
Clutch: (n) the foot pedal in a vehicle that you press when you change
gear
Contribution: (n) an activity or a service that results in or increases
something
Control loop: (n) where the system output is taken into consideration
to meet a desired output response
Cruise control: (n) a device in a motor vehicle which maintains the
speed that the driver has chosen
Damped: (n) the decrease in the amplitude of an oscillation over time
Derivative: (adj) how changes in one feature relates to changes in
another
Droop: (n) the difference between the signal used and the signal that a
system sees
Exceed: (v) to be greater than a particular number, amount or
measurable thing
Feedback: (n) the procedure of returning part of the signal output from
a circuit to the input of that circuit
Fluctuate: (v) to go up and down
Input: (n) something that is put into a system
Integral: (adj) very important
Offset: (n) the opposite effect, the creation of a more balanced
situation
Oscillation: (n) a regular movement between magnitude or position,
especially of an electric current
Output: (n) the results of a process
Overshoot: (n) an act of overshooting, going past something
Parameters: (n) factors that decide or set the conditions in which
something can operate
Pedal: (n) a flat bar on a machine, e.g., a car, that you press with your
foot to operate
Possibility: (n) something that may be chosen or done from a number
of alternatives
Process: (n) a series of actions; (v) to perform a specific set of actions
Programme: (n) a set of related measures or activities with a particular
purpose; (v) to provide a machine with coded instructions to do a
particular task
Rate: (n) how one quantity changes in relation to another quantity
Reaction: (n) a response to an event
Response: (n) a reaction to something that has been done or has
happened
Set: (adj) planned or fixed in advance and never changing; (v) to
adjust a device or machine so that it carries out a particular process
Significant: (adj) important enough to be noticeable
Stable: (adj) secure and unchanging
System: (n) an organized way of doing something
Test: (v) to do something to a machine in order to find out if it is safe
or works correctly
Tight: (adj) firm and difficult to move, undo or open
Trial: (v) to test something new to find out if it is safe or works
correctly
Tune: (v) to adjust an engine or a machine so that it runs smoothly and
efficiently
Underdamped: (v) to take a system longer to reach a steady state
Unstable: (adj) likely to change suddenly or fail; volatile
Variable: (n) a value that does not stay fixed; (adj) subject to change
Alternating current: (n) an electric current that reverses its direction at
regular intervals, used in power supplies
Balancing: (n) matching the power produced with the expected
demand
Blackout: (n) when all electrical appliances stop working because of
an electrical power failure
Blade: (n) a large, flat part of a wind turbine that is moved by the wind
Construction costs: (n) the necessary costs and expenses for the
construction of something
Copper: (n) an element (symbol cu) that is a soft reddish-brown metal,
used for making wires, coins, etc.
Direct current: (n) an electric current that flows unidirectionally, i.e.,
in one direction only
Energy loss: (n) the energy lost as heat when converting energy from
one form to another
Generate: (v) to produce something
Hydroelectric power: (n) electricity produced by generators from
falling or fast-flowing water
Imbalance: (n) the state of having too much or too little of something
Load: (n) the part of an electrical circuit which consumes power
Neon: (n) a chemical element (symbol ne) used in fluorescent lamps
and illuminated signs
Nuclear power: (n) energy created by splitting the nuclei of atoms
Offshore: (adj) in the sea but not far from land
Power line: (n) a thick cable that carries electrical power
Power station: (n) a place where energy is produced from various
sources
Pylons: (n) tall metal, tower-like structures that are used for carrying
electricity cables high above the ground
Regulate: (v) to control the rate of something
Renewable resource: (n) a natural resource that will replenish itself
Single-phase: (adj) electrical power where the voltages of the supply
during the distribution of alternating current vary in unison
Solar power: (n) the conversion of energy from sunlight into
electricity
Three-phase: (adj) of a device which simultaneously uses three
separate alternating currents of the same voltage
Transformer: (n) a device for reducing or increasing the voltage of an
alternating current
Transmit: (v) to send a signal
Turbine: (n) a machine that works by the action of a fluid on a series
of blades
Amplitude: (n) the largest range of a vibration or oscillation
Amplitude modulation: (n) a technique used to broadcast an audio
signal, by varying the amplitude of the wave
Breakthrough: (n) an important discovery that improves a situation or
which leads to an agreement or achievement
Carrier wave: (n) a high-frequency electromagnetic wave adjusted in
frequency or amplitude to communicate a signal
Characteristic: (n) an identifying aspect of something or someone
Coaxial cable: (n) a kind of shielded and insulated copper cable used
in cable tv services and computer networks
Convert: (v) to change from one form to another
Demonstrate: (v) to show or prove clearly the existence or truth of
something by giving evidence or proof
Deterioration: (n) the process or fact of becoming progressively worse
Duplex: (adj) allowing the communication of two signals at the same
time in opposite directions
Fibre-optic cable: (n) a cable consisting of fine bendable fibres
through which light signals can be transmitted
Fixed-line phone: (n) a phone connected via wires to a telephone jack
on the wall, unlike a mobile phone
Frequency modulation: (n) the modulation of a radio wave by varying
the frequency, particularly to carry an audio signal
Impact: (n) a significant effect or result
Isolate: (v) to separate something from something else
Line: (n) the connection or service between two telephones
Medium: (n) a means of communicating or expressing information
Modulation: (n) in telecommunications, a process taking place at the
transmitter which changes the message before sending it
Operate: (v) to make a machine work
Physical channel: (n) a radio frequency or pair of frequencies,
assigned by the regulatory body to an organization for communication
Point-to-point: (n) in communication, data transmitted from a central
user to a large number of other users
Receiver: (n) radio or television apparatus that changes broadcast
signals into a visible or audio form
Shield: (n) a plate or screen that safeguards a machine or person using
it from damage or harm
Smoke signals: (n) signals that are sent to somebody to convey a
message, using a column of smoke
Transcribe: (v) to put thoughts or speech into a written form or
different form to the original
Analogue: (adj) using mechanical processes rather than digital
Barrier: (n) a physical block
Cancellation: (n) when waves of different tracks work against each
other to remove certain frequencies
Code: (v) to put information in a form that computers can read
Compression phase: (n) the region in a longitudinal wave where the
particles are closest together
Conversion: (n) the action of changing something into a different form
Dependent variable: (n) a variable, frequently denoted as 'y', whose
value relies on another variable
Digitization: (n) the process of converting information into a digital
form that can be read by computers
Discrete value: (n) a value within a data set that can only take specific
values (e.g., numbers, red or blue, male or female)
Echo: (n) a reflected sound wave
Editing: (v) the altering or enhancing of images
Equalization: (n) the process of adjusting the balance between
frequency components within an electronic signal
Extract: (v) to take something away from something; (n) a small part
of something larger
Filter: (v) to remove the unwanted parts of a signal
Frequency domain: (n) the analysis of mathematical functions or
signals with regards to frequency, not time
Independent variable: (n) a variable, often denoted as 'x', whose
variation does not depend on another variable
Interference: (n) noise or unwanted electronic signals that disrupt
other signals
Low-pass filter: (n) a filter that passes signals with a frequency which
is less than a chosen cut-off frequency
Noise-cancelling: (adj) using equipment, (e.g., headphones) which
reduce external noise by producing a sound wave that cancels it out
Periodic wave: (n) a periodic function of one-dimensional space that
advances with continuous speed
Pick-up: (n) the receiving of signals, especially interference or noise,
by electrical equipment
Plot: (v) to mark a point on a map or graph
Pressure wave: (n) a wave (e.g., a sound wave) in which the generated
disturbance is a difference in pressure
Processing: (n) a subfield in electrical engineering which pays
attention to analyzing, modifying and synthesizing signals (e.g.,
sound)
Random noise: (n) an electric or acoustic signal that is made up of
equal quantities of all frequencies
Rarefaction phase: (n) the region in a longitudinal wave where the
particles are furthest apart
Sample: (v) to take a small part of something
Smooth out: (v) to reduce the noise of a signal
Soundproof: (v) to make something resistant to sound, so that it
cannot pass through it or into it
Speech recognition: (n) technology that allows a computer to process
human speech
Trace: (n) the graphical display of the changing of a variable over time
Verification: (n) proof that something is true or real
Voice recognition: (n) technology that allows a computer to recognize
a specific voice
Carbon emissions: (n) carbon dioxide produced by vehicles, factories,
etc., that is harmful to the environment
Claim: (v) to say that something is true, although it has not been
proved
Collapse: (n) the act of something falling down suddenly due to lack
of strength and support; (v) to fall down or apart suddenly
Contribute: (v) to help something to happen
Discharge: (v) to release the electric charge of something
Exhaust pipe: (n) piping through which exhaust gases are guided out
away from the engine
Fossil fuel: (n) coal and oil, formed under the ground over millions of
years, and used for fuel
Hidden: (adj) out of sight; not visible
Insignificant: (adj) not important or valuable enough to be worth
consideration
Lead-acid: (adj) of a battery where the electrodes are plates of lead
submerged in dilute sulphuric acid
Lifespan: (n) the amount of time a thing continues or functions
Lithium: (n) an element (symbol li) that is a soft, very lightweight,
silver-white metal used in batteries
Manufacture: (v) to make products on a large scale, using machinery
Minimal: (adj) very small in amount; negligible
Outstanding: (adj) exceptional and much better than most; extremely
good
Plummet: (v) to fall or drop suddenly and quickly
Plunge: (v) to fall or move down suddenly and forcefully
Recharge: (v) to restore a battery with electrical power by plugging it
into a power supply
Rocket: (v) to increase very rapidly and suddenly
Run: (v) to work or operate
Side effect: (n) an added result of a situation, particularly one that was
unplanned and unexpected
Slump: (n) a drop in the success of a business; (v) to plummet
suddenly in price, usefulness or quantity
Soar: (v) to rise to a high level very quickly
Store: (v) to keep for future use
Superb: (adj) excellent; very good quality
Support: (v) to assist in showing that something is true
Accelerometer: (n) an instrument for measuring the acceleration of a
moving or vibrating body
Acid: (n) a liquid substance which can react chemically with other
materials, sometimes dissolving or burning holes in them
Actuator: (n) a component of a machine that is responsible for moving
and controlling a mechanism or system
Airbag: (n) a safety device in a vehicle which protects people by
inflating rapidly if there is an accident
Base: (n) a substance that can neutralize an acid
Beam: (n) a horizontal part of a structure used to carry a load
building block: (n) parts that are fixed together to make a larger thing
Cantilever: (n) a beam that is fixed at one end only
carbon nanotube: (n) a long, thin, very strong tube made of pure
carbon, with its diameter measured in nanometers
Deposition: (n) thin layers of a sustance deposited onto a surface
Dissolve: (v) (of a solid) to mix and become incorporated into a liquid
Drawback: (n) a problem or disadvantage that makes something less
acceptable or desirable
Electromechanical: (adj) relating to a mechanical piece of equipment
that is operated by means of electricity
Etching: (n) a process that involves removing parts of a layer
Fraction: (n) a numerical quantity that is not a whole number; a very
small amount of something
Glue: (n) an adhesive substance that is used to stick objects or
materials together
hearing aid: (n) a device that sits inside the ear to improve hearingA
Hinge: (n) a mechanism on which a door swings as it opens and closes
lab-on-a-chip (LOC): (n) a subset of MEMS; a very small analytical
tool involving a semiconductor microchip
Layer: (n) a thin strip of material; thin substrates used to construct
MEMS devices
Mask: (n) a covering used to cover areas not to be processed within a
device
Mass: (n) a large amount of matter, without a definite shape or form
MEMS (microelectromechanical systems): (n) a very small form of
machinery
Microscopic: (adj) extremely small and visible only with a microscope
Nano: (adj) (of a measurement) a billionth
NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems): (n) equipment which
amalgamates electrical and mechanical functionality on the nanoscale
Pattern: (n) a repeated action or idea that can be used to predict likely
outcomes
Photosensitive: (adj) having a chemical or electrical reaction to light,
by changing colour or producing an electrical signal
Projector: (n) a piece of apparatus for projecting slides, photos or film
onto a screen
Reflection: (n) the bouncing of waves off a surface; the image of
something seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
Saliva: (n) liquid produced in your mouth that provides lubrication to
help swallowing
Secure: (v) to attach or fix something firmly to avoid it moving or
being lost; (adj) fixed firmly
Sensor: (n) part of a machine that can sense physical changes
Spring: (n) a twisted metal coil that can be pulled, etc., but returns to
its original shape when released
Surface: (n) the uppermost or outside layer of something
Transduction: (n) the conversion of mechanical energy, (e.g., a
vibration) into electrical energy
Tray: (n) a flat object, usually with a raised rim
Urine: (n) waste fluid stored in the bladder which you pass from your
body through the urethra
X-rays: (n) photographic images that show the bones and organs
inside your body
Anode: (n) the positively charged electrode in an electrical device
where oxidation takes place
Artificial: (adj) created by humans; not found in nature
Assemble: (v) to put or fit together
Brake lights: (n) the red lights at the rear of a vehicle that light up
when the brakes are applied
Brightness: (n) the quality or state of being full of light or of shining
brightly
Bulb: (n) a glass object which inserts into a lamp, etc., and produces
light from electricity when switched on
Camera flash: (n) equipment attached to a camera that produces a
bright light, for taking photos in a dark place
Cathode: (n) the positively charged electrode in a piece of electrical
equipment that supplies current
Collide: (v) to crash together
Combustion: (n) the act of burning
Considerable: (adj) large in amount, size or importance; enough to be
notable
Diffuse: (v) to spread something or become spread over a wide area in
every direction
Dim: (adj) not shining bright or clear (v) to reduce in brightness
Diode: (n) an electronic device with two terminals in which the
electric current passes in one direction only
Domestic: (adj) belonging to or used in the home or by the family,
rather than in industry
Electrode: (n) an element in a semiconducting device that emits,
collects or controls the movement of electrons
Electroluminescence: (n) luminescence created electrically
Emit: (v) to discharge gas, heat, sound, light, etc., into the air
Fixture: (n) something fixed in position in a building
Fluorescent lamp: (n) a low-pressure tube-like lamp that uses
fluorescence to produce visible light
Imperfect: (adj) not perfect and which contains some faults or
mistakes or is incomplete
Installation: (n) the action of putting new equipment into position for
use
Latter: (n) the second or second mentioned of two people, things or
groups
Mercury: (n) an element (symbol hg) that is a poisonous, heavy,
silvery-white liquid metal, used in thermometers
Open circuit: (n) an incomplete electrical circuit
Optical: (adj) related to the sense of sight or the relationship between
the action of light and sight
Parallel circuit: (n) a closed circuit in which the current splits into at
least two paths
Photon: (n) a unit of electromagnetic energy, such as light and radio
waves
Practitioner: (n) someone highly skilled carrying out work in a
particular field
Release: (v) to let a substance flow out from somewhere
Reverse-biased: (n) applied dc voltage that stops or significantly
lowers current flow in a diode, transistor, etc.
Scanner: (n) a machine used to create an electronic image
Series circuit: (n) a closed circuit whereby the current follows one
page
Steady: (adj) happening or developing in a gradual, even and regular
rate
Torch: (n) a small, portable, battery-powered electric light that you
hold in your hand
Ultraviolet (uv): (adj) relating to a kind of invisible light that comes
from the sun
Valid: (adj) based on logic and fact; reasonable and generally accepted
Verify: (v) to prove or demonstrate that something is true or accurate
Visible: (adj) can be seen; not hidden
Wavelength: (n) the distance between two similar points on a power
wave, e.g., a sound wave or electromagnetic wave