Entries starting with Q

25 entries.

QPQ

Initialism of quench polish quench (“a treatment process for hardening steel, i.e. enhancing its corrosion resistance”).

quantity

Property of a phenomenon, body, or substance, where the property has a magnitude that can be expressed as number and a reference.

quartersaw

Cut radially (towards the heart of the log), at right angles to the growth rings, for stability or the production of decorative patterns.

quartz crystal

A small crystal of quartz accurately cut in certain directions so that it can be vibrated at a particular frequency, to produce an electric signal of constant known frequency.

queen-cage

A small case used to introduce and protect a new queen bee to a queenless hive in order to determine whether the new queen will be accepted or rejected

quench

To cool rapidly by direct contact with liquid coolant, as a blacksmith quenching hot iron.

quenching

The rapid cooling of a hot metal object, by placing it in a liquid, in order to harden it.

quettasecond

An SI unit of time equal to 10³⁰ seconds. Symbol: Qs. (= sextillions of years, a hypothetical time span that is meaningless except in speculative contexts such as theoretical physics, philosophy, religion, and humorous hyperbole)

quickshifter

A device that eliminates the need to use the clutch or throttle when shifting gears on a manual transmission.

quilting needle

A specialized sewing needle designed for quilting, consisting of a short length, fine diameter, a sharp or slightly rounded tapered point, and a small round eye to enable even stitches.

quint

A vehicle used by firefighters that combines the capabilities of a fire engine and a fire truck, having the ability to provide vertical access as well as pump water to fight a fire.

quoin

A metal wedge which fits into the space between the type and the edge of a chase, and is tightened to fix the metal type in place.