splice tape
Cured or uncured synthetic tape used for splicing materials.
Entries starting with S
965 entries.
spline
nounWoodworking
A strip of wood or other material inserted into grooves in each of two pieces of wood to provide additional surface for gluing.
split
nounManufacturing
A tear resulting from tensile stresses.
split rim
nounAutomotive
A wheelrim consisting of several connected pieces, generally used on large and heavy vehicles.
split slab
nounConstruction
A method of construction using two separate concrete slabs: the first placed as a slab on grade or suspended slab and covered with waterproofing and a drainage system; the second, or topping slab, placed over the underlying slab and waterproofing.
split-phase power
A type of electrical power distribution system using two line wires connected to the ends of a distribution transformer and a grounded neutral wire connected to the center tap of the transformer, allowing loads to be connected between line and neutral and receive the normal line voltage (120 or 240 volts), or between the two opposite-phase line wires and receive twice the normal line voltage (240 or 480 volts).
split-ring
Either of a pair of concentric metallic rings with slits on opposite sides, used in split-ring resonators.
SPM
Initialism of surface permanent magnet.
spoil
To reduce the lift generated by an airplane or wing by deflecting air upwards, usually with a spoiler.
spoiler
nounAutomotive
A device to reduce lift and increase downforce.
spoke
A projecting handle of a steering wheel.
spool
One of the rotating assemblies of a gas turbine engine, composed of one or more turbine stages, a shaft, and one or more compressor or fan stages.
spooler
nounManufacturing
A device or person that winds thread onto a spool.
spot
verbRail equipment
To position (a locomotive or car) at a predetermined point, e.g., for loading or unloading.
spot beam
A satellite signal that is specially concentrated in power (i.e. sent by a high-gain antenna) so that it will cover only a limited geographic area on Earth.
spot color
In offset printing, any color generated by an ink, pure or mixed, that is printed using a single run.
spot UV
A printing technique in which a clear, shiny coating (ultraviolet varnish) is applied to areas of a printed material.
spray
nounMetalworking
A side channel or branch of the runner of a flask, made to distribute the metal to all parts of the mold.
spray drain
A drain made by laying under earth the sprays or small branches of trees, which keep passages open.
spring
To turn a vessel using a spring attached to its anchor cable.
spring beam
nounConstruction
A beam of considerable span, without central support; the tie beam of a truss.
spring saddle
nounRail equipment
A bent metal bar on the top of a railway carriage journal-box, surrounding the arch-bar and supporting the spring.
sprocket
A toothed wheel that enmeshes with a chain or other perforated band.
sprout
To grow from seed; to germinate.
spruce tip
The new spring growth at the ends of spruce branches. For some species of spruce, these are edible and a traditional foodstuff.
sprue
nounMetallurgy
A channel through which molten metal is poured into the mold during the casting process.
SPS
Initialism of smart power system/supply.
spud
nounPlumbing
A type of short nut (fastener) threaded on both ends.
spud washer
nounPlumbing
A flanged rubber or foam ring that covers the spud nut on the flush mechanism of a toilet, cushioning the tank-bowl juncture to prevent leaks.
spudger
A hand tool used to work on punch-down blocks without short circuiting electric terminals. It has a hook on one end and a notched blade on the other.
spunlaid
adjectiveManufacturing
In which fibres are spun and then directly dispersed into a web by deflectors or air streams.
spur
nounCarpentry
A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, such as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut.
spur gear
The simplest type of gear wheel, with teeth projecting radially, parallel to its axis.
spurn
A body of coal left to sustain an overhanging mass.
SPURS
Acronym of Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study.
SPVS
Initialism of standalone photovoltaic system/supply.
squabble
To disarrange, so that the letters or lines stand awry and require readjustment.
squally
adjectiveManufacturing
Not equally good throughout; not uniform; uneven; faulty.
square
nounConstruction
A unit used in measuring roof area equivalent to 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of roof area. The materials for roofing jobs are often billed by the square in the United States.
square tab shingle
nounConstruction
Shingle with tabs that are all the same size and exposure.
square up
verbMachining
To mill (blocks, inserts, etc) into precisely square condition.
squeegee
A tool consisting of a roller attached to a handle, used for applying pressure, removing liquid, etc.
squeeze
The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata.
squegging
An irregular oscillation characterised by short periods of oscillation punctuated by brief periods of quiescence.
squelch
To suppress the unwanted hiss or static between received transmissions by adjusting a threshold level for signal strength.
squib
nounAutomotive
The heating element used to set off the sodium azide pellets in a vehicle's airbag.
squirrel-cage motor
A kind of induction motor that harnesses electromagnetism in order to generate motion.
SR
nameRail equipment
Initialism of Southern Railway.
SRAM
Static random access memory.
SRB
Initialism of solid rocket booster, NASA term for booster rockets that use solid rocket fuel and provide additional thrust to a main rocket.
SRC
Initialism of Short Range Certificate (certificate that entitles the holder to operate a maritime VHF radio).
SRES
Acronym of signed response (to an authentication challenge on GSM mobile networks).
sRLV
Initialism of suborbital reusable launch vehicle.
SRM
Initialism of standard reference material (“a standardized material of known composition used as a reference, to calibrate testing equipment, to validate testing equipment, to test materials and equipment”).
SRS
nounAutomotive
Initialism of supplemental restraint system or secondary restraint system (car airbags).
SS
nounManufacturing
Initialism of side seam.
SSA
Initialism of Space Situational Awareness, a programme of the ESA.
SSB
Initialism of single sideband, a type of radio emission.
SSD
Initialism of solid-state drive.
SSED
Initialism of Solar System Exploration Division, a division at NASA.