APPENDIX I
GLOSSARY
ABRADE– To scrape or rub off.
ACCUMULATOR– An apparatus that collects and
stores energy.
ACRYLIC– Designation of an acrylic resin product.
ACRYLIC RESIN– Group of transparent, thermo-
plastic, polymeric resins used in making molded
plastics, paints, textile fibers, etc.
ACTUATOR– A mechanism for moving or controlling
something indirectly.
ADDITIVES– Substances added, in relatively small
amounts, to improve another substances physical
properties or performance.
ADHESION– An action that causes one substance to
adhere to another.
AFCS– Automatic Flight Control System.
AIMD– Aircraft intermediate maintenance department.
AIRFOIL.– A structure or body, such as an aircraft wing
or propeller blade, designed to provide lift/thrust
when in motion relative to the surrounding air.
ALCAD– Trade name of an aluminum laminate
originated by the Aluminum Company of America.
ALIPHATIC– Major group of organic compounds,
structured in open chains, including paraffins,
olefins, and acetylenes.
ALLOY– A mixture with metallic properties composed
of two or more elements, of which at least one is a
metal.
AMBIENT– Surrounding; adjacent to, next to. For
example, ambient conditions are physical
conditions of the immediate area, such as ambient
temperature, ambient humidity, ambient pressure,
etc.
ANHYDROUS– Without water.
ANNEAL– To heat and then cool.
ANNULAR– Relating to or forming a ring.
ANNUNCIATOR– Electrically controlled signal board
or indicator.
ANODIZE– To subject a metal to electrolytic action, as
the anode of a cell, in order to coat it with a
protective film.
ANTIOXIDANTS– A substance that opposes oxidation
or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or
peroxides.
APEX– The uppermost point.
ASW– Antisubmarine warfare.
ASYMMETRY– Lack of symmetry.
AUTOROTATION– The turning of the rotor of a
helicopter, with the resulting lift caused solely by
the aerodynamic forces induced by the motion of
the rotor along its flight path.
AXIAL– Situated around, in the direction of, on or along
an axis.
BALLISTIC– Relating to ballistics or to a body in
motion according to the laws of ballistics.
CANNIBALIZATION– To take salvageable parts
from one machine for the use in repairing or
building another machine.
CARBONACEOUS– Consisting of or containing
carbon.
CATALYSTS– A substance that initiates a chemical
reaction and enables it to proceed under different
conditions than otherwise possible.
CAVITATE– To form cavities or bubbles.
CFA– Cognizant field activity.
CHLORIDES– A compound of chlorine with another
element or group.
CHROMATE– A salt or ester of chromic acid.
CIRCUMFERENTIAL– Perimeter of a circle.
CNO– Chief of Naval Operations.
COGNIZANT– Official observation of or authority
over something.
COMPENSATOR– Any of various devices or circuits
used to correct or offset some disturbing action,
such as speed deviations in a moving system or
excessive current in a circuit.
AI-1
