Word of the Day archive
Every word we have featured, most recent first.
- 28 May 2026design loadThe total load on a structural system for the most severe combination of loads and forces which it is...
- 27 May 2026stirrupA bent rebar wrapped around the main rebars to reinforce against shear stress.
- 26 May 2026sprueA channel through which molten metal is poured into the mold during the casting process.
- 25 May 2026quenchingThe rapid cooling of a hot metal object, by placing it in a liquid, in order to harden it.
- 24 May 2026cold workAny of several plastic deformations of metal (or other material) at relatively low temperatures.
- 23 May 2026case hardeningThe process of imparting greater hardness to the surface of a piece of metal.
- 22 May 2026skipA transportation container in a mine, usually for ore or mullock.
- 21 May 2026cross-courseA vein or lode that crosses the main lode, sometimes accompanied by a change of course in the main lode.
- 20 May 2026putterOne who pushes the small wagons in a coal mine, to transport the coal mined by the getter.
- 19 May 2026tailingsThe waste that remains after the minerals have been extracted from an ore by ore dressing; the waste from...
- 18 May 2026skivingA type of machining that skives metal, with various applications including gear cutting.
- 17 May 2026shock absorberA mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp any sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy...
- 16 May 2026pushrodA rigid reciprocating rod that, by its movement, transmits force to actuate a mechanism.
- 15 May 2026runoutDeviation of the axis of rotation of a rotating object (especially a milling cutter or workpiece) relative to...
- 14 May 2026backlashThe looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be...
- 13 May 2026journalthe part of a rotating shaft or axle that rests on the bearing
- 12 May 2026trunnionA similar rotational bearing used in automotive suspensions.
- 11 May 2026keywayThe recessed part of a keyed joint, in which the key resides.
- 10 May 2026mesh analysisA method of solving for the currents in an electric circuit, in which a system of equations is written for...
- 9 May 2026gimmick capacitorA capacitor consisting of two insulated wires twined together.
- 8 May 2026three-way switchA type of light switch that can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations, as at either end...
- 7 May 2026peak shavingThe management by a utility of its demand for electricity over time, to reduce spikes in usage.
- 6 May 2026arc faultAn undesired and uncontrolled electric arc from one conductor through the air (or other gas) to a conductor...
- 5 May 2026make-before-breakOf a switch or other electronic device, that creates a new electrical connection before an older one is...
- 4 May 2026branch lineA secondary railroad route or one subsidiary to a railroad's mainlines.
- 3 May 2026RollbockA bogie used to carry a railway carriage on a line of different gauge to the one it was built for, usually a...
- 2 May 2026collector shoeA current collector on an electric train or locomotive which is in contact with the live rail.
- 1 May 2026grab ironA metal bar attached to the side of locomotives and railroad cars for use as a handhold.
- 30 April 2026hot topIn casting, a live open riser with a hot ceramic liner, designed to counteract the formation of harmful...
- 29 April 2026kick wheelA wheel or disc used to throw pots, turned by kicking or pushing a heavy stone or concrete base with the foot.