Glossary for Engineering Word Meaning Example Extra Info. a priori  something known or assumed through deduction  It was known, a priori, that the metal would bend under that weight.  apriority (n)  abrasiveness  physical: something with a rough surface for grinding. personality: acting in way that causes anger or annoyance in others  The dentist uses a very fine abrasive paste to clean teeth. She has such an abrasive manner that no one wants to be in her group  abrasion (n)  accredited  official approval that something has met a set of standards  The institute had to meet strict standards and pass the accreditation procedure before it could officially award degrees.  accredit, (v)  acknowledge  recognition of something done by another  There was acknowledgement by the research team that they had been helped with equipment by a cigarette manufacturer. The author dedicated his book to his parents as an acknowledgement of the faith they had always had in him and his work.  acknowledge (v)  acoustic  having to do with sound and hearing  I can see the display, but I cannot hear anything because the acoustic device is broken or not connected.  acoustically (adv)  actuate  to cause the start of another thing  To actuate the program it is necessary to first remove the locking mechanism.  actuation (n)  acute  a sharp angle as in a point; a feeling that is painful but is short and sharp; something that is clever, sensitive and specific  The acute angle was only a few degrees. She had an acute pain in her side from running so long. His understanding of the problem was acute and so his solution was completely practical.  acutely (adv), acuteness (n)  ad hoc  something arranged temporarily or done for a specific purpose and for one time only  An ad hoc committee was set up to deal with the planning of the event.    adhere  to stick; to follow or comply  I want the photo to adhere to the mirror using ordinary glue. If we adhere to the suggested timetable, we should be able to finish the project in time.  adherent (n), adhesion (n), adhesive (adj)  aerospace  the atmosphere surrounding the earth and extending to outer space and as an adjective the industries that create the space program that do research in that area  Aerospace is a rapidly developing professional area combining science and engineering. Finding water on Mars is an important development for the aerospace industry.    affinity  having an attraction to something as in one person for another or for certain kinds of atoms to form molecules  There is no affinity between oil and water  affinitive (adj)  aggressive  a strong or rough action; an offensive action  The judge said the defendant's action was deliberately aggressive and intended to harm.  aggressive (adj), aggressively (adv), aggressiveness (n)  alleviate  to reduce pressure or pain or difficulties  If we insert this beam, it will distribute the stress more evenly and alleviate the pressure at this particular point.  alleviation (n)  alloy  noun: a metal or hard substance made of two or more different kinds mixed together, verb - to mix substances together to make the alloy  Alloying the metal with other elements made it almost indestructible    ambience  surrounding  It was impossible to carry out any reliable tests because the ambient temperature fluctuated wildly  ambience (n)  ambient  surrounding  It was impossible to carry out any reliable tests because the ambient temperature fluctuated wildly  ambience (n)  antagonistic  actively acting against someone or something  He was a bad-tempered and antagonistic member of the team  antagonist (n), antagonistically (adv), antagonism (n)  aperture  a hole or an opening  She increased the size of her camera's aperture because the light was poor    appliance  a small electric machine to help do a job such as a rice cooker, a toaster, etc; any device used for a particular task  The egg whisk was not the right appliance for mashing potatoes    armature  armor, protective covering for the body; wire-bound core of a dynamo or electric motor; iron bar used to connect poles of a magnet  The next stage was to reduce the current in the armature. The armadillo has an armature of horny plates over its body    articulated  the way something is constructed so that it has specific and separate sections or joints; spoken clearly  An articulated lorry swerved across the road and caused a traffic jam; she articulated the argument precisely and coherently  articulately (adv), articulateness (n), articulation (n)  atmospheric  something to do with the atmosphere; gases round the earth; of mood or feeling  As a specialist in atmospheric research, he was very concerned about damage to the ozone layer. It was a moody, atmospheric piece of music.  atmosphere (n); atmospherically (adv)  audit  checking accounts in a formal way to make sure they are correct  I will audit your accounts when you present me with a complete set of figures. It was not the kind of organization that needed an audit because the small annual income never varied.  audit (n)  automation  a process done by self-operating machines  Full automation of the vehicle plant will be completed by the end of the year.  automate (v), automatic (adj)  auxiliary  something in addition to the main thing; supporting  We will need some auxiliary lighting in here if we are to see properly  auxiliary (n)  axial  something that follows around or rotates around an axis  The axial position of the piston ensured that vibration was reduced  axis (n)  benchmark  something that is used as a standard to measure the quality of other similar things  Her research paper was so good it became the benchmark for other students    blob  usually a soft or malleable material that has an indefinite shape; any (usually small) indefinite shape      bolts  thick, heavy cylindrical piece of metal for securing a lock or a hinge; piece of metal with a head and screw thread used with a nut to secure something in place; roll of cloth etc; flash of lightning  An extra bolt was needed to fix the piece of machinery to the floor.  bolt (v)  bottlenecks  a narrow space that restricts the flow of whatever needs to pass through it  The road narrowed at that point creating a traffic bottleneck    brittle  hard and stiff but easily broken; irritable, sharp-tongued  A quick test of the material showed that it had no elasticity and in fact it was so brittle it shattered under pressure. She answered the insult with a brittle retort.  brittleness (n)  caisson  different kinds of chamber, box or chest that are used in various kinds of construction  Nearby drilling caused a dust problem in the caisson    calibrated  to adjust the units of a measuring instrument so that they are accurate   For the sake of absolute accuracy, he had to calibrate the gauge every two days  calibration (n), calibrator (n)  cartesian        cavity  a small hole or empty space inside something  Builders stopped work when they discovered a cavity four meters below ground    certification  an official indication that something has met specified standards  It was agreed that the laboratory was capable of carrying out the certification of the products.  certify (v), certified (adj)  clamp  a device for holding something very firmly  The force of the clamp was so strong that it bent the pipe it was holding steady  clamp (v)  clusters  a small group of things or people  It was hoped that the science park would attract a cluster of important IT companies  cluster (v)  coats  covered with a layer of a substance such as dust or paint  Many kitchen items, like pots and ladles, are coated in the thermoplastic material Teflon  coat (n), coating (n)  collaboration  working together to achieve a goal  Collaboration between industry and university research scientists should be encourage, the vice-chancellor said.  collaborate (v), collaborative (adj), collaborator (n)  compact  small, neat, easy to fit into a small space; as a verb, to compress something  Compact devises like 3G mobile phones have made a big impact on life at home and work. They tried to compact the metal dust into a solid product.  compactly (adv), compactness (n)  compliance  having conformity with  Companies introducing new products must ensure compliance with legal requirements  compliant (adj)  concentric  circles or other shapes that radiate out from a common center  At the center of the mechanism there were two concentric tubes placed one inside the other  concentrically (adv)  configuration  the way something is arranged in parts  With that configuration and structure, the robot could carry out a variety of task  configurative (adj)  congested  crowded with people or things so that passing through is difficult  The wiring was so congested at that point that the power supply was in danger of failing.  congestion (n)  connectivity  The degree that two or more things are connected or linked  The idea was to build a hub of IT expertise in a single area that would provide data-base processing and data connectivity.  connective (adj), connection (n)  consortium  a group of companies that join temporarily together to form one company and combine their specific expertise or strengths to complete a large project none could do alone  The project was given a boost when the consortium of companies and industry specialists received financial backing from the government.    contaminated  something that is not pure; polluted  The water supply was contaminated with pesticides.  contaminant (n), contamination (n0  contour  the outside shape or the lines of an object or physical space  The robot arm could detect and follow any contour however small  contour (v)  convergence  the point where lines or ideas come together and intersect  Take a group of like-minded people faced with a problem and there is bound to be a convergence of opinion on how to tackle it.  converge (v)  conveyor  a machine that moves objects along a line as in a factory  The parts were fed into the machine by a conveyor  convey (v)  corrosive  chemical change of a substance, usually on the surface, that causes it to break down  Concentrated sulphates can cause corrosion.  corrode (v), corrosive (adj)  counterfeit  fake; not genuine  The fight against the production of counterfeit products, like CDs, is being stepped up  counterfeit (n), counterfeit (v), counterfeiter (n)  coupler  a device that joins two things together      crank  a handle on a machine usually bent at a 90 degree angle, that is rotated to start the system in motion   Be careful how you turn the crank. Once the engine starts, it can jump out of your hand.  crank (v)  cumulative  adding on to the amount by degrees  If each industry adopted an energy-saving policy, the cumulative effect could end the power crisis.   cumulatively (adv), cumulativeness (n)  defect  a flaw or quality that prevents something from being whole or complete or perfect; as a verb, to leave your country, party, often in order to join the opposition  I discovered that this system had a hidden defect which prevented it from working. She decided not to defect after there was a change of government.  defective (adj), defectiveness (n), defector (n), defection (n)  deficient  lacking something  This food is deficient in all the essential vitamins.  deficiently (adv), deficiency (n)  degraded  reduce the quality of something to a lower quality; dishonor  You will find that chemical will degrade very quickly. I didn't mean to degrade you in front of your friends  degrading (adj), degradation (n)  delamination  separating the layers       depict  to show or explain something in a graphic way  The illustrations depict Central as it might look in the future without traffic.  depiction (n), depictive (adj)  dexterity  flexibility; skillfulness of thinking or moving the body  In future, robots may match the dexterity of humans when performing delicate tasks.  dexterous (adj), dexterously (adv)  digital  A system that is based on countable separate parts or data and may or may not be binary   It would have improved efficiency if the offices had shared information in a digital format.  digitally (adv), digit (n)  diluted  when the strength of something is reduced because some other substance has been added  The device was supposed to monitor the degree of dilution of the chlorine in the swimming pool.  dilute (v)  discrepancy  something that does not match the expectation, inconsistency between facts, figures etc.  There was a wide discrepancy in theories about how best to research the subject   discrepant (adj)  dispersing  Broken up and spread or scattered outwardly  A rainbow is the result of the dispersive effect of the sun seen through rain.  disperse (v), dispersion (n)  dual  two parts  Contractors estimated it would take two years to complete the dual carriageway between the new towns.  dually (adv), duality (n)  effluent  something that flows out from something, often a waste product  Untreated effluent leaked out of the pipe and polluted the beach.  effluence (n)  elemental  very basic or primary; of or relating to chemical elements or natural forces.  They used a specially designed microprobe to gather elemental information.  element (n), elementary (adj)  elevated  higher than the surrounding area  There were problems with the elevated section of the road, the contractor said.  elevate (n), elevation (n), elevator (n)  emanating  to flow or rise out of  Foul smells tend to emanate from the sewer.  emanation (n)  embedded  to be tightly held inside something else, usually a small thing within a larger thing  The piles were only embedded in 90 meters of soil which made the building unstable.    emit  sending out or coming out such as a gas or electrical waves  It was not possible for the plant to emit any radiation, the report stated.  emission (n)  engaged  employed; in use  We have our own experts so why was it necessary for outside specialists to be engaged. As adjective: The chief executive's telephone is always engaged.    entrepreneurs  a person who is able to see opportunities to create business and follows through successfully  The opening ceremony of the science park attracted a crowd of IT entrepreneurs.  entrepreneurial (adj), entrepreneurship (n)  entropy  the tendency of the universe to move towards a state of disorder; measure of thermal energy that is not available to do work   How can we gauge correctly the point at which the system reached this stage of entropy?    equilibrium  balance of forces  It was essential to maintain a balance of surface tension, gravity and pressure on the joint to achieve equilibrium.  equilibrant (n), equilibrate (v)  ergonomic  a process or a tool that is adjusted to be comfortable and efficient for human use  There was an ergonomic problem in the desk design which contributed to repetitive strain injury.  ergonomics (n), ergonomist (n)  etch  a process using either chemicals or sharp tools to make clear distinct lines or drawings on a hard surface such as metal or glass  Don't try to etch a design on this metal, it's not a suitable surface.  etching (n)  exaggerated  to make things seem to a much greater degree than they actually are  You must not exaggerate the importance of your exam results.  exaggeration (n), exaggerated (adj)  exemplified  use an example to explain something  It was the kind of bridge that exemplified the talent of local engineers.  exemplification (n)  fabrication  make  This system must fabricate parts at speed if it is to be economically viable.  fabrication (n), fabricator (n)  fatigue  being tired or weak through hard use  Metal fatigue was identified as a contributory factor in the air crash.  fatigue (v)  feasible  possible to do  This project will only be feasible if we get a government grant  feasibility (n), feasibly (adv)  feedback  output recycled back into the system; comments and opinions about something to help improve it  Feedback from the speakers nearly deafened the audience. They were hoping for a positive feedback from the survey.    fittings  a small device used to connect or adjust another part or parts  You should use energy-saving light fittings in that area.    fixtures  something permanently attached  This plumbing fixture should be secured with clamps.    flexible  able to bend or adjustable  Modern manufacturing systems should be flexible enough to cope with changing demands.  flex (v), flexion (n)  flux  constant but usually gradual change; a substance used to help fuse metals together; a chemical used to increase fluidity.  The whole industry is in a state of flux. Flux was added to keep the plastic flowing.    foam  a substance filled with many small bubbles making it lightweight and porous   You have used so much detergent that the washing machine is overflowing with foam.  foam (v), foamy (adj)  forge  making or forming metal by heating and applying pressure; committing forgery; moving on   He was intent on forging a revolutionary set of tools. You are guilty of forging that signature. We should be forging ahead with this research.   forge (n), forgery (n)  forged  making or forming metal by heating and applying pressure; committing forgery; moving on   He was intent on forging a revolutionary set of tools. You are guilty of forging that signature. We should be forging ahead with this research.   forge (n), forgery (n)  fractured  a crack or a thin break or split in what is usually a hard substance  I can see a fracture in this outer casing but the manufacturer says it is almost unbreakable.  fracture (v) fractural (adj)  fractures  a crack or a thin break or split in what is usually a hard substance  I can see a fracture in this outer casing but the manufacturer says it is almost unbreakable.  fracture (v) fractural (adj)  fringes  the edge  She was poor and lived on the fringe of society.  fringe (v)  functionality  the intended or possible use of something, having a function  Geeks still clamor for the latest computer but there is also a trend among makers to emphasize the functionality of their products for the ordinary user.  function (n), functional (adj)   fundamentals  basic qualities or requirements  Just try to remember the fundamentals of the subject - and my lesson, the teacher said.  fundamentally (adj)  gauge  tool or a standard for measuring  Refer to this gauge to find out how much fuel has been used.  gauge (v), gaugable (adj)  gradient  the degree of angle of a hill or slope   My car is incapable of climbing that steep gradient.    graphic  something visual, usually clear and detailed, either in illustration or diagrams and sometimes in words  Her photo album represented a graphic account of the history of a family.  graphically (adj), graphicness (n)  graphics  visual arts, usually two dimensional, either computer generated or using more conventional forms  Computer graphics have been used as a tool in manufacturing for over 25 years.     gripper  a tool for holding something firmly or tightly  The robot was equipped with a hand, or gripper attached to a wrist mechanism.  grip (n), grip (v)  hazard  something that is unsafe  That exposed wiring is a hazard to anyone passing too close.  hazard (v), hazardous (adj)  heuristics  a systematic way of discovering about something to create something new or to solve a problem  We should adopt a rule-of-thumb, or heuristic approach to this problem rather than an algorithmic one  heuristically   increments  a (usually small) measure of increase  You must measure the pulling force a small increment at a time.  incremental (adj)  infringing  to break a law or a rule or to abuse privilege  If you extend your holiday until well after the semester has started, you will infringe university regulations.  infringement (n)  ingenious  very clever and innovative  It doesn't matter how ingenious inventions are, they still have to be marketed properly  ingeniously (adv), ingeniousness (n), ingenuity (n)  ingredient  the substances required and combined to make something  You have the best minds and plenty of money and with those ingredients your project is sure to be successful.    integral  a part necessary for the completeness of something  Proper management of pollution should be an integral part of power production.  integrally (adv)  intellectual  someone who interacts more by using his or her intelligence than by feelings or activity and has high regard for intelligence; cognitive  She was a rare kind of intellectual who enjoyed talking about her subject with anyone she met.  intellectuality (n), intellectualize (v), intellect (n), intellectualism (n)  interdependence        interface  something such as a device that allows two different things to interact together  Microsoft Word and other windowing systems have a graphical user interface.    intuition  knowing something without rational thought or reasoning  Education, basic intuition and the aid of a computer are integral to the design process today.  intuitiveness (n), intuitively (adv)  lateral  sideways  Both vertical and lateral supports were used in the construction of the wall.  laterally (adv)  lathe  a machine that hold a piece of metal or wood and turns it rapidly against a cutting tool for shaping  Finally, he used a lathe to shape the wooden bowl.    magnitude  how large something is, usually referring to very large things  The magnitude of the voltage will increase considerably.    magnitudes  how large something is, usually referring to very large things  The magnitude of the voltage will increase considerably.    manipulate  to use the hands to work on a process or procedure or with tools; to influence something by deception  The gripper at the end of the robot arm can grasp and manipulate objects. It became clear that the accountant had tried to manipulate the figures to his own advantage.  manipulable (adj), manipulation (n), manipulative (adj)  manuscript  documents written by hand, usually but now also referring to an original piece of writing  She worked hard on the manuscript but the publisher still turned it down.    mechanism        microcosmic        mimic  imitate  Any idea that artificial intelligence will mimic exactly the human brain still sounds like the stuff of science fiction.  mimic (n), mimicker (n), mimicry (n)  moire  a wavy pattern  The superimposed grids produced a moire pattern    momentum  force gained as a result of physical movement or a series of events  The runaway car lost momentum on the uphill slope.    mounting  set up or begin to set up a project of some kind, usually involving planning and support from various sources; climbing; (as noun) the support on which something is fixed  Mounting this exhibition has been hard work. I dropped the paintbrush as I was mounting the ladder. They had to use extra bolts to secure the engine mounting.  mount (v)  negligence  carelessness usually resulting in a negative outcome  You can be sued for negligence in a building project even if your failure to take an essential step was unintentional.   negligent (adj), negligently (adv)  nominally  having to do with names or nouns; a very small or insignificant part of something  That is a nominal, or noun phrase. Since it was a charity organization, she only charged a nominal fee for her work.  nominally (adv)  nonaligned  to arrange a number of things in a straight line so they match or are even; or for various groups or organizations to join together   It is important to align the edges exactly so that the fit will be tight and waterproof. Although I don't accept everything you say, I would rather be aligned with your organization than that other one, because I don't accept any of their ideas.   nonaligned (adj) opposite of aligned  novel  new and original; (as noun) a lengthy work of fiction  That's a novel theory, but can you prove it? Have you finished reading that novel yet?    optimal  the best possible degree, quality, amount, etc.  You are more than qualified for this job because the optimum requirement is a Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.  optimum (n), optimal (adj)  organic  coming from living organisms; not artificially engineered  People prefer to eat organic produce because it is free from chemical fertilizers and insecticides.  organically (adv)  outlook  the expected future trend  The outlook for university funding is bleak.    overlook  place from which one can look down on a scene below; (as verb) failing to notice something.  There is an overlook with a stunning view. Don't overlook your electricity bill.    overview  general view of a plan, project, process or something with multiple parts  Taking an overview of the project, I can see where it failed and where it succeeded.    parasitic  depending on something else for existence and as a consequence destroying it by absorbing its essence  A dog's coat can be host to a number of parasitic creatures.  parasite (n)  parity  equality or equivalence  She said it was time she was given pay parity with her male colleagues.    penetrate  when one things goes inside the substance of another, either physically or as in influence. Getting deeply into a problem or issue  He claimed that the respray would prevent all water penetration and the car would never rust.  penetrate (v), penetrating (adj)  peripheral  on the edge or extra to the central idea or exterior to the main machine  She was old, poor and on the periphery of society.  peripheral (adj), peripherally (adv)  periphery  on the edge or extra to the central idea or exterior to the main machine  She was old, poor and on the periphery of society.  peripheral (adj), peripherally (adv)  pivot  the point around which something turns  The parts oscillated from a fixed pivot.  pivot (v), pivotal (adj)  plot  using coordinates to find a place on a graph; to make a secret, usually illegal, plan; to plan of a novel, film, play etc  It was easy to plot the course of the financial crisis on the graph. He was ready to plot the assassination in detail but police arrested him. The screenwriter seems to have made no attempt to plot this film coherently.  plot (n), plotter (n)  plug  stopper as for a water drain; the (male) electrical fixture on the end of a wire for connecting to a (female) wall socket  Pull out that plug and let me see if it needs a new fuse.  plugging (v), plug in (v)  pneumatic  having to do with air or a gas either causing something to work or filled with the gas  Pneumatic drills add to the noise pollution in Hong Kong.  pneumatically (adv), pneumatics (n)  primitive  most basic or simple; undeveloped  This flat has the most primitive facilities.   primitive (n), primitiveness (n)  privileged  having special rights, choices, opportunities; sometimes used the same as honored  Tonight, I am privileged to be able to introduce Dr Tong. He lived on the Peak and was a privileged member of society.  privilege (n), privilege (v)  probe  to explore or investigate inside something with an instrument; to try to find out about something (sometimes hidden information or meaning) through asking questions and conducting research  My tooth hurts and I don't want the dentist to probe it. The government statement said that it intended to probe further into the piling scandal.  probe (n)  profile  the main points about something that give a general or specific understanding; the outline shape  He gave a profile of the project and the work completed to date. The actor's face looked better in profile.  profile (v)  propagating  to increase the number of things as in the reproduction of living things or electronic waves  The experiment demonstrated that electromagnetic fields could propagate faster than the speed of light.  propagation (n), propagational (adj), propagative (adj), propagator (n)  proprietary  having or owning property  They system was designed to avoid the need to use proprietary computer hardware.  proprietarily (adv)  prototype  an initial model produced as an example to analyze  Today this computer bears little resemblance to its prototype.  prototypical (adj)  proximity  relative closeness  The office was so small they were forced to work in close proximity.   proximate (adj), proximately (adv)  quantify  describe by amount or measurement  Standard weights and measures were introduced to make it easier to quantify goods and materials.  quantifiable (adj), quantification (n)  quasi  seeming to be related; somehow partly related; sometimes used to mean not actually the same as it seems to be  That quasi priest has a lot of followers.    random  without any pattern or organization  Computer functions often seem to be given random names.  randomly (adv), randomness (n)  residue  substance that is left after an initial process has been completed, usually a small amount   He said he had cleaned the flat but there was a residue of dust everywhere.  residual (adj), residually (adv)  robust  strong; thorough  This production line should be producing robust products by now but there are still flaws.  robustly (adv)  rotary  motion of something that turns around a central point  They managed to transmit power to the robot's wrist and give it a rotary motion.  rotate (v)  saturate  to completely fill something so that it cannot hold any more, in reference to absorbing liquids, but also used to mean spreading advertising or ideas around so that people cannot avoid knowing about it  Don't leave that pot plant outside or the rain will saturate it. There must be more than enough American coffee shops to saturate the market.  saturated (adj), saturation (n)  scaffold  temporary structure to support another structure being built or repaired or to hold works, tools, equipment, etc.  Bamboo scaffolding is perhaps the most obvious feature of construction work in Hong Kong.  scaffold (n), scaffold (v), scaffolder (n)  segments  section or part of a larger thing  This segment of the diagram is not very clear.  segment (v), segmental (adj)  seismic  related to earthquakes   All new buildings were constructed to withstand moderate seismic activity.  seismology (n), seismograph (n), seismographer (n)  shaft  something long and thin such as a long board or a hole in a building or a narrow tunnel into the ground  The boat's drive shaft appeared to be made of inferior metal. The mine was illegal and there was no effective equipment to monitor the build-up of gas in the shaft.    simulate  something that is done so as to be like the real thing  In order to test the resistance of the packing material to heat and humidity it was necessary to simulate the conditions inside the warehouse.  simulation (n), simulated (adj), simulator (n)  simulated  something that is done so as to be like the real thing  In order to test the resistance of the packing material to heat and humidity it was necessary to simulate the conditions inside the warehouse.  simulation (n), simulated (adj), simulator (n)  simulations  something that is done so as to be like the real thing  In order to test the resistance of the packing material to heat and humidity it was necessary to simulate the conditions inside the warehouse.  simulation (n), simulated (adj), simulator (n)  simultaneously  at the same time  There was a simultaneous exchange of fire across the border.  simultaneously (adv), simultaneousness (n), simultaneity (n)  sketch  drawing or general idea of something without the details  This sketch should give a rough idea of how the mechanism works. I will sketch out plan now and give you the details later.    slab  large, usually flat but thick piece or shape  The foundation slab sank in the soft soil.    solder  metal that can be melted to join two or more metal parts together; to solder or stick to parts together  Use this alloy as a solder for the seam. You must solder the seam with this alloy.  solderer (n)  solvent  usually a liquid that can dissolve other substances; also meaning that a person or business has enough money for their or its own maintenance  Try using a solvent to get rid of that rust. This company will not remain solvent unless we reduce the staff.    sophisticated  well developed, experienced, knowledgeable, generally showing good taste  Information technology, or IT, has becoming an increasingly sophisticated learning tool.  sophisticate (v)  spam  unwanted email  He was annoyed to find his inbox was loaded with spam.    span  the distance between two supports as in a bridge or the time between two points in time; to bridge a gap  The span of the arch was wide enough to accommodate a four-lane highway. The bridge was designed to span the river at its narrowest point.  spanning (v)  spatial  having to do with two or three-dimensional space  The computer graphics had a poor spatial resolution.  spatially (adv)  specimen  an sample for study; someone or something considered typical of a group  After the breath test, the driver was asked to give a blood specimen which was checked for alcohol.    spray  when water or other liquid or material is made to shoot out in very small droplets or in a fine mist  Drilling through metal can cause a dangerous spray of sparks. The gardener used to spray the plants with insecticide every month.    sprayed  when water or other liquid or material is made to shoot out in very small droplets or in a fine mist  Drilling through metal can cause a dangerous spray of sparks. The gardener used to spray the plants with insecticide every month.    sputter  to spray or spit out, to stutter; to remove atoms of a solid by bombarding them with ions  She choked on her food and began to sputter  sputterer  stagnant  not moving or changing  Stagnant water is bound to attract mosquitoes  stagnate (v), stagnation (n)  strain  pressure or stress or force on a particular point or process  Ideally, there should be no strain on the solder joints. You could strain a muscle if you insist on doing that exercise.    stringent  carefully controlled or forced to meet requirements  The government introduced stringent controls over the construction industry after the piling scandal.  stringency (n), stringently (adv)  surveillance  observing through watching or cameras for protection or investigation  A scheme to introduce surveillance cameras in Lan Kwai Fong was dropped after a number of people complained.  surveillant (adj, n)  sustainable  something or a practice that can maintain itself without being used up  Sustainable development is the only way forward if the environment is not to be damaged beyond any hope of recovery.    symmetry  when two halves are balanced or harmonious or alike on either side of a dividing line  Old cars often look top-heavy and they have little symmetry.  symmetrical (adj)  synchronously  at the same time  Controls for the assembly-line robot should ensure synchronous actions.  synchronously (adv), synchrony (n), synchronize (v), synchronization (n)  tactile  having to do with the sense of touch  The robot's grippers were tactile in that they could sense size and weight of an object.  tactility (n)  tapers  decreasing in width or thickness along a length   I think this jacket is supposed to taper at the waist.    tedious  boring, inefficient, unnecessary  Machines have taken over many tedious, repetitive factory jobs.  tediousness (n), tedium (n)  tensile  the quality or degree of a substance to withstand tension  The alloy was tensile enough to be stretched and molded.  tense (adj), tensileness (n), tension (n)  threshold  entrance point to something as in a doorway or that causes the beginning of a process   He was on the threshold of a great career.    thrust  sudden quick strong force in one direction  The driver asked for a car with more thrust so that he could win the race. She was thrust forward when the bus crashed  thruster (n)  tiers  level or row  The seats were arranged in tiers so the audience could get a better view.    tilt  in a position at an angle from the vertical or horizontal; to tilt or position something at an angle  He tried to tilt his drawing board at a better angle for working. Don't tilt your chair or it will collapse.     token  coin used for a special purpose in place of real money or anything that is a small or insufficient example of something else  She said she could see that she was just the token woman on the committee.  betoken  tolerance  limit; ability to withstand  Joints soldered by the new method proved to have a better weight tolerance.   tolerant (adj), tolerate (v)  topography  surface features of land or description of the features of any object  A detailed topography of the region showed several old, abandoned mines.  topographer (n), topographic (adj)  torque  force caused by twisting  A toprque motor is a motor with a limited and small angle or rotation.    trajectory  path an object takes through space such a bullet after it has been shot out of a gun  The golfer followed the trajectory of his ball until it hit the green.    transacting  business deals or arrangements that have been completed or are being completed; records of a meeting or conference  Considerable work has been done to ensure that Internet transactions are secure.  transact (v), transactor (n)  tremendous  large amount or degree  Various factors, including environmental concerns, are sure to contribute to the tremendous growth in the biotechnology industry.  tremendously (adv)  trivial  unimportant  Don't make trivial excuses for your poor work.  trivially (adv), trivialness (n), triviality (n), trivialize (v)  undershooting  the action of falling short of a target; miss a target or deadline by being insufficient in time, length, etc; opposite to overshoot  This kind of control mechanism will limit both overshoot and undershoot. The co-pilot could tell that the plane was about to undershoot the runway.    velocity  degree of speed  His yacht should arrive in port by tomorrow morning, depending on the velocity of this easterly wind,    ventured  try something that is uncertain or perhaps involves risk; an action or undertaking that involves risk  I refuse to venture out in this storm. The number of multinational joint ventures on the mainland is likely to increase significantly.  venturesome or venturous (adj)  verify  to check to see if something is correct or legitimate or confirm that it is so  I can verify the accuracy of the method we have used.  verification (n), verifiable (adj), verifiably (adv)  versatile  having many applications or uses; flexible  She made a name for herself as a creative and versatile engineer.  versatilely (adv), versatility (n)  viaduct  long thin structure like a bridge set on a series of arches or similar structures that carries a road or water canals over a valley or other uneven surface  This viaduct had to be built in reinforced concrete because precast sections were unsuitable for the area.    vicinity  physical area around a point   I know he lives in the vicinity. Drilling that metal will generate considerable heat in the vicinity.    vital  essential, necessary  Investment in research is vital for the future growth of industry.  vitally (adv)  wafer  a flat thin slice   As technology advances, the diameter of the wafers used in the manufacture of semi-conductors increases.    weld  joining two metal pieces together by melting them at the place where they are joined; joint made by welding  If that plastic fork gets any hotter, it will weld itself to the side of the pot. That weld is strong enough to take any pressure.  welder (n)