Industrial and trades terminology · MLC-0113

Industrial and trades terms: B (586)

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• B batteryA type of dry cell battery that historically provided the high voltage required for the plate (anode)...
• B10A reliability metric for automotive components, representing the point at which 10% of a tested population of...
• B100A designation for pure biodiesel fuel, consisting of 100% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). This fuel is...
• B5A blend of diesel fuel containing 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel by volume. This blend is widely...
• Baby BellOne of the seven Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) formed from the 1984 breakup of the American...
• Babysitter testA method for evaluating the user-friendliness and clarity of a product or system's instructions. The test...
• Back doorThe rear opening of a vehicle that provides access to the cargo area or passenger compartment. This can refer...
• Back grayAn absorbent, undyed cotton cloth, usually unbleached calico, that runs through a roller textile printing...
• Back to back ticketThe practice of purchasing two separate round-trip tickets with overlapping dates instead of one, to...
• BackboreTo enlarge the diameter of a previously drilled hole from the side opposite to its initial entry. This...
• Back-butterTo apply a layer of adhesive, typically thin-set mortar, directly to the back of a tile before placing it on...
• Back-counterboreA machining operation that creates a cylindrical recess on the back side of a pre-drilled hole, typically to...
• Back-countersinkA machining operation that creates a chamfer or conical enlargement on the back side of a pre-drilled hole...
• BackdraftA dangerous phenomenon occurring when oxygen is suddenly introduced into a confined, oxygen-depleted space...
• BackerboardA thin, rigid sheet material installed as an underlayment over a subfloor or wall studs before applying...
• BackfireAn unintended explosion or combustion that occurs in the intake or exhaust system of an internal combustion...
• BacklashThe amount of clearance or lost motion between mating mechanical components, such as gear teeth or screw...
• BackloadA load of cargo or freight carried by a commercial vehicle on its return journey, after delivering its...
• BackloadingThe practice of loading a transport vehicle with cargo for its return journey after completing an initial...
• Back-overmanA person employed to superintend a colliery during the back shift, the afternoon shift, when the overman who...
• BackplaneA circuit board assembly that serves as the structural and electrical backbone for a modular electronic...
• BackplateA rigid metal component in a drum brake system that serves as the foundation for mounting the brake shoes...
• BackprimeTo apply a coat of primer to the back, unexposed side of wood trim, siding, or other millwork before it is...
• Back-seat drivingUnsolicited advice or instructions given to a driver or operator by a person who is not operating the vehicle...
• BackshellA mechanical device attached to the rear of a multi-pin electrical connector to support the terminated cable...
• BacksightA reading taken with a surveying instrument on a point of known elevation or position, typically the last...
• Back-spotfaceTo machine a flat, circular surface around a hole on the blind side of a workpiece, or the side opposite the...
• BackstitchA basic hand-sewing stitch that creates a solid, continuous line of stitching, resembling machine stitching...
• BackstretchTo lay a supply hose line from the vicinity of the fire back to a hydrant or other water source, the reverse...
• Back-sweetenTo add a sweetening agent, such as sugar, honey, or unfermented juice, to a beverage like cider, mead, or...
• BacktrackTo taxi an aircraft on a runway in the opposite direction of takeoff or landing, typically to reach the...
• Backup cameraA video camera system affixed to the rear of a vehicle to provide a view of the area directly behind it. The...
• Baggage carA type of railroad car, without passenger seating, dedicated to the transport of luggage, parcels, and other...
• BailiffA former English name for the manager or foreman of a mine, the official in charge of its working on behalf...
• BailoutAn emergency escape procedure used by firefighters to rapidly exit a hazardous environment, such as a burning...
• BainiteA plate-like microstructure of ferrite and cementite that forms in steels at temperatures between those that...
• BakkieA light utility vehicle with an open cargo area at the rear, designed for transporting goods and equipment...
• BalanceThe state of equilibrium of a vessel, maintained by the correct distribution of weight and buoyancy. Proper...
• BalkA strip of unplowed land separating cultivated fields or plots, serving as a boundary or pathway. In older...
• BallA spherical component used in mechanical systems to transmit loads, provide a rolling contact point, or act...
• Ball bearingA type of rolling-element bearing that reduces rotational friction and supports radial and axial loads. It...
• Ball grid arrayA type of surface-mount package for integrated circuits that uses an array of solder balls on its underside...
• Ball jointA spherical bearing that connects a suspension control arm to the steering knuckle, letting the wheel pivot...
• Ball veinA stratum in which concretions of siderite, an iron carbonate, occur, and also the ore itself, which was...
• BallastCrushed stone, gravel, or other granular material placed beneath railway tracks or road surfaces to provide...
• Ballast wagonA type of railway freight car designed specifically for carrying, distributing, and profiling track ballast...
• BallgownA formal gown for women, worn to balls and similar social events, with a fitted bodice and a long, full...
• BallingThe accumulation of snow, ice, or mud on the hooves of livestock, particularly horses, which can cause...
• BalloonA rise of the aircraft during the landing flare, so that it climbs or floats above the runway instead of...
• Balloon frameA method of wood-frame construction where continuous studs extend from the sill plate to the roof plate...
• BallpointA type of writing instrument that dispenses oil-based ink through a small rotating ball at its tip. The ball...
• BallraceA type of bearing that uses spherical rolling elements to maintain separation between its moving parts. It...
• BallstockThe wooden handle of a printer's ink ball, a pad of leather stuffed with wool that printers used in pairs to...
• BandA specific range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum, allocated for a particular purpose. In...
• Band printerA type of impact printer that uses a continuous, rotating metal band containing characters to print entire...
• BanditAn aircraft identified as hostile, as opposed to a bogey, which is an unidentified aircraft. The term...
• Band-passDescribing an electronic filter or circuit that allows signals within a specific frequency range to pass...
• BandsmanA labourer in a mine, especially a loader, who works with a band of men, the gang formed to work a place...
• Band-stopDescribing an electronic filter that attenuates frequencies within a specific range while allowing...
• Bang offA weaving fault in which a loom's shuttle fails to follow its intended path through the shed and strikes...
• Bang outTo send off a colleague in the British printing and newspaper trades by banging on metal furniture, tools or...
• BanjoA long-handled shovel with a large, round, and slightly dished blade, used for moving loose materials such as...
• BankThe surface area at the top of a mine shaft or the ground level surrounding an open-pit mine. This location...
• BankerAn additional locomotive attached to the rear of a train to provide extra power for ascending steep...
• BankingThe elevation of the outer rail on a curved section of railway track relative to the inner rail. This...
• Banner repeaterA small, subsidiary signal that repeats the indication of a main signal, typically used where the main signal...
• BaptisiaA genus of hardy, long-lived perennial plants native to North America, also known as false indigo, belonging...
• BarA solid piece of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or brass, produced in a long, straight form with a uniform...
• Bar carA type of railway passenger car equipped with a counter and facilities for serving alcoholic and...
• Bar downTo inspect and remove loose or unstable rock from the roof (back) and walls (ribs) of an underground...
• Bar stockA raw material form of metal, typically solid and uniform in cross-section, used as a starting point for...
• Barber chairA dangerous and uncontrolled splitting of a tree trunk during felling, where the tree breaks upwards from the...
• Bare boardA printed circuit board (PCB) that has been manufactured with all its conductive traces, pads, and vias, but...
• BarfeedThe process of automatically supplying raw bar stock into a machine tool, such as a lathe or turning center...
• BarfeederAn automated accessory for a CNC lathe or screw machine that continuously supplies raw bar stock into the...
• BargelloA type of needlepoint embroidery characterized by its distinctive flame stitch pattern, created using long...
• BarkA sailing vessel typically characterized by having three or more masts, with the fore-and-aft sails on the...
• Barley scaldA fungal disease of barley caused by Rhynchosporium commune, characterized by oval-shaped lesions with dark...
• Barley smutA group of fungal diseases affecting barley, primarily caused by species of Ustilago, which replace the grain...
• BarleycornA historical unit of length equal to one grain of barley, about one third of an inch or roughly 8...
• Barlow lensAn achromatic lens assembly that increases the effective focal length of a telescope objective. This...
• BarnacleA change or addition made to a product on the manufacturing floor that was not part of the original design...
• BarnyardAn enclosed outdoor area adjacent to a barn, serving as a working space for farm activities and a confined...
• Barrel processA method of finishing small metal parts in bulk by tumbling them within a rotating barrel containing abrasive...
• Barrel vaultA continuous arched structure forming the ceiling or roof of a building, resembling the interior of a...
• BarrelingThe outward bulging of the sides of a workpiece during a compression test, caused by friction between the...
• Barrier boardA noncombustible board with low thermal conductivity placed between two components of a roof assembly, for...
• BarringThe timber bars set in a mine to hold up the roof of a working or to line the sides of a shaft. In a...
• Barrister's bandsTwo strips of white linen or cotton fabric, typically pleated or gathered, worn at the neck as part of the...
• Barrister's blockA traditional patchwork quilt block built from half-square triangles in two sizes, with quarter-square...
• BarrowA small, hand-propelled cart or wheelbarrow used for transporting excavated material, such as ore, rock, or...
• Barrow crossingA level crossing within a railway station that lets staff, and sometimes passengers, cross the tracks between...
• BarrowmanA worker tasked with transporting materials, such as ore, waste rock, or supplies, using a wheelbarrow in a...
• BarryA visual defect in dyed or finished textiles characterized by unintended horizontal streaks or bands of a...
• BarstockRaw material in the form of long metal bars, supplied from a mill for use in machining and fabrication...
• BaseThe fundamental part or foundation upon which a system or component is built or supported. In electronics, it...
• Base capA decorative molding profile applied to the top edge of a flat baseboard to create a more detailed and...
• Base communicationsServices that keep the communications of a military installation running, including the installation...
• Base flashingA component of a roofing system that provides a waterproof seal at the intersection of a roof and a vertical...
• Base metalThe primary metal being welded, brazed, soldered, or coated, to which other materials are joined or applied...
• Base sheetThe bottom-most layer of a built-up or modified bitumen roofing system, installed directly over the roof deck...
• Base stationA fixed reference point in surveying that provides real-time kinematic (RTK) or post-processed kinematic...
• Base station subsystemA component of a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mobile phone system that handles the radio...
• BasebandA type of signal transmission where the entire bandwidth of the transmission medium is used for a single...
• BaseboardA decorative molding installed along the bottom of an interior wall, where it meets the floor. It serves to...
• Baseboard heatingA heating system that uses electric resistance elements or hot water pipes housed within low-profile units...
• BasherThe member of a hot-riveting team who hammered each rivet to upset its tail and form the second head, in the...
• Basic ignition timingThe precise moment in the engine's combustion cycle when the spark plug fires, relative to the piston's...
• Basic processA steelmaking method that uses a basic refractory lining in the furnace and basic fluxes to remove impurities...
• BasisThe difference between the local cash price of a commodity and the price of a specific futures contract for...
• BassetingThe outcrop of a rock stratum or mineral vein at the surface of the earth, where it is exposed to weathering...
• BastardA printing adjective for type or matter that departs from the standard, chiefly in bastard fount, meaning...
• Bastard typeMetal type whose face is out of proportion to the depth of its body, as when a small-pica face is cast on a...
• Baste upTo sew long, loose, temporary stitches in fabric to hold pieces together before the final, permanent sewing...
• BastingTo sew long, loose, temporary stitches to hold fabric pieces together before the final, permanent seam is...
• Batch upTo combine individual components or materials into a single, larger quantity for processing or production...
• Batching plantA facility that combines different ingredients to create concrete or asphalt mixtures. It precisely measures...
• BatsmanThe landing signal officer on an aircraft carrier, named for the paddle-shaped bats he once held to signal...
• BattenA thin strip of wood or metal used to cover the joint between two parallel boards or panels in siding and...
• BatteningThe process of attaching battens, which are thin strips of wood or metal, to a surface to provide a fixing...
• BatterA slight backward slope given to a face that would otherwise be vertical, such as the inward lean of a...
• Batter ruleA tool, also known as a batter gauge or batter level, used to set out and check inclined surfaces, such as...
• BatteryA device that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions...
• Battery cageA housing system for poultry, particularly laying hens, consisting of rows and columns of identical wire...
• Battery cellA single electrochemical unit that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy through a chemical...
• Battery chargerAn electronic device that replenishes the electrical energy in a rechargeable battery by forcing an electric...
• Battery electric multiple unitA type of self-propelled train that draws all its power from onboard rechargeable batteries, operating...
• Battery packAn assembly of multiple individual battery cells, either primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary...
• Battery-backedDescribing a system or component equipped with a battery to supply power during a primary power source...
• BattingA layer of fibrous material, typically cotton, wool, polyester, or bamboo, used as the middle layer in...
• BaudA unit of measurement for symbol rate, indicating the number of distinct symbol changes or signal events...
• Bay platformA railway platform that terminates at one end, forming a 'bay' or recess in the station layout. Trains using...
• BBCAn acronym for Break-Bulk Cargo, a method of shipping goods that must be loaded individually rather than in...
• BBSBulletin Board System: A computer server running software that allows users to connect to the system using a...
• BCDBinary-coded decimal, a system for encoding decimal numbers where each decimal digit is represented by its...
• BCMAn abbreviation for bank cubic meter, a unit of volume used to measure excavated material in its natural...
• BeaconingThe process by which a network device periodically transmits a signal or frame to announce its presence...
• BeadA narrow, rounded, or decorative molding applied to a surface or carved into a piece of wood. It serves as an...
• Bead breakerA tool designed to separate the bead of a tire from the rim, allowing for tire removal or repair. It applies...
• BeamA structural element designed to support loads primarily by resisting bending. It typically spans between two...
• BeamsplittingThe division of a single beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation into two or more separate beams...
• BeamworkA tin working in which the lode was followed downward by digging from the surface, as an open cutting...
• Bean shotCopper in small bean-sized granules, made by pouring the molten metal into water so that it solidifies as...
• Bean stitchA line stitch in which each stitch is sewn forward, back and forward again over the same short length, giving...
• BeanieA close-fitting, brimless cap, constructed from triangular sections of fabric joined at the crown or by...
• Bean-shot copperA form of copper produced by pouring molten copper into water, causing it to solidify into small, irregular...
• BearTo change the direction of a vessel, typically by turning the bow towards a specific point or away from a...
• BeardThe space between the bottom of the character's descender line and the bottom edge of the metal type block...
• BeardedDescribing a variety of cereal grain, such as wheat, barley, or rye, that has long, bristle-like fibers known...
• Bearded irisA popular group of iris cultivars characterized by a fuzzy line or 'beard' on the falls, which are the lower...
• BearerA strip of type-high metal or furniture placed in the blank parts of a printing form to carry the pressure of...
• BearingA mechanical component that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion, and reduces friction...
• BeartrapA police speed trap in which an officer waits with a radar or laser speed gun to catch speeding motorists...
• BeatTo sail against the wind by making a series of tacks, alternating the boat's direction relative to the wind...
• Beat upTo replace seedlings that have died or failed to establish in a plantation or regenerated area, planting new...
• BeaterA machine part or machine that beats, mixes or agitates material with rotating blades or paddles, such as the...
• BecketA loop of rope, cord or thread used as a handle, an eye or a fastener. In sewing, a becket is a braided...
• BedA foundational component of a machine tool, providing a stable and rigid base for other parts to be mounted...
• Bed of nailsA testing fixture composed of numerous spring-loaded pins arranged to make contact with specific test points...
• BeddingA layer of absorbent organic or inorganic material placed on the floor of animal enclosures to provide...
• BedrockThe solid, consolidated rock that lies beneath surface materials like soil, sand, and gravel. Bedrock forms...
• BedsideThe outer body panel of a pickup truck that forms the side of the cargo bed, extending from the back of the...
• BeeA wooden or metal reinforcement plate or block fitted to a spar, such as a bowsprit or yardarm, to strengthen...
• Bee vacuumA specialized device used by beekeepers or pest control professionals to safely remove bees from unwanted...
• Beech snapBreakage of the main stem of a mature beech tree, typically partway up the trunk, caused by decay in wood...
• BeelineA blasting fuse made with a small quantity of dynamite powder along its length, so that the burning spark...
• BeerwortThe sugary liquid extracted from malted grains during the mashing process, which serves as the fermentable...
• Beetle bankA raised, grassy strip of land, often planted with tussock-forming grasses like cocksfoot, created within or...
• Beige boxA plain desktop computer in the boxy off-white case style typical of personal computers of the 1980s and...
• BejmatA small rectangular Moroccan tile of handmade clay, sold in sizes such as 2 by 6 inches and 5.5 inches and...
• BellA metallic, cup-shaped instrument that produces a ringing sound when struck, used for signaling and...
• BellboxThe weatherproof metal or plastic housing mounted on the outside of a building that contains the sounder and...
• BellcrankA type of lever with two arms connected at an angle, typically 90 degrees, used to change the direction of...
• BellyscraperA type of earthmoving equipment, also known as a motor scraper, used for excavating, loading, hauling, and...
• BeltA continuous loop of flexible material, typically made of rubber, leather, or fabric, used to transmit power...
• Belt buckleA fastening device used to secure a belt around the waist, often found on workwear or safety harnesses. It...
• Belt loopA narrow strip of fabric sewn onto the waistband of trousers, skirts, or other garments, designed to hold a...
• Belt trackThe path or alignment followed by a conveyor belt or power transmission belt as it moves over pulleys or...
• Belted cableA type of multi-core electrical cable where the insulated conductors are bound together by an additional...
• BeltlineThe imaginary line that runs horizontally along the lower edge of a vehicle's side windows, separating the...
• BeltpackA small, portable electronic device worn on a belt, providing communication or monitoring functions for...
• Ben DayA printing technique that uses patterns of dots or lines to create shading and tones in an image, rather than...
• BenchA stable, identifiable point of known elevation that serves as a vertical control reference in surveying...
• BendTo secure two ropes together or to attach a rope to an object, such as a spar or a ring, using a knot. This...
• Beneficial insectAn insect species that provides a positive service in an agricultural or horticultural setting, such as...
• BeneficiateTo process raw ore to improve its physical or chemical properties, thereby increasing the concentration of...
• BentA pre-assembled structural frame, typically composed of posts, beams, and braces, that forms a transverse...
• BentwoodWood that has been shaped into curves by steaming or soaking it until pliable, then bending it around a form...
• BenzA colloquial name for the German luxury and commercial vehicle brand Mercedes-Benz. The name originates from...
• BeretA round, brimless cap with a soft flat crown and a headband that holds it on the head, usually made of felted...
• BerkshireA type of steam locomotive characterized by a 2-8-4 wheel arrangement, meaning two leading wheels, eight...
• BerlineA historical body style for a carriage or automobile, characterized by an enclosed passenger compartment with...
• BermA raised bank or ridge of earth, rock, or other material constructed along the edge of a mine road, pit, or...
• Bermuda seamA metal roof panel profile with a step-down shape that runs perpendicular to the roof slope, forming...
• BerninaA Swiss brand renowned for manufacturing high-quality sewing, embroidery, and quilting machines for both...
• BerthA designated location in a port or harbor where a vessel is moored for loading, unloading, or repairs. The...
• Bessemer processAn industrial method for mass-producing steel from molten pig iron by removing impurities through oxidation...
• Best form lensA lens designed to minimize spherical aberration for a specific object and image conjugate. This design...
• Bevel gearA type of gear where the teeth are cut on a conical surface, allowing for power transmission between two...
• BEVxAn acronym for Battery Electric Vehicle with Range Extender, a type of electric vehicle that primarily runs...
• BHAn abbreviation for Brinell Hardness, a scale that measures the indentation hardness of materials. The test...
• BHCABusy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA) represents the total number of call attempts made within the busiest one-hour...
• BhpAn abbreviation for brake horsepower, a unit of measurement for an engine's power output, determined by...
• BiasA systematic error in a measurement or observation that causes results to deviate consistently in one...
• Bias tapeA strip of fabric cut on the bias, meaning diagonally across the grain, which provides it with greater...
• BiasedDescribing an electrical component or circuit that has a steady direct current (DC) voltage or current...
• BICThe Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal, the Paris-based body that registers the...
• BiconcaveDescribing a lens that is curved inward on both of its faces, making it thinnest at the optical center and...
• BifoldA type of door or shutter assembly that folds in sections, allowing it to open and close in a compact manner...
• BifoldingRelating to a door or screen system composed of multiple panels that fold back upon themselves, typically...
• Big blockAn informal name for a large-displacement V8 engine from a manufacturer's larger engine family, with a...
• Big ugly dishAn early type of large, mesh-construction satellite television antenna, popular from the late 1970s to the...
• BillThe forward-most part of an anchor's fluke, designed to dig into the seabed and provide holding power. This...
• Bill of ladingA legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, acknowledging receipt of goods for shipment. It serves as...
• Bill of materialsA hierarchical list of all the items required to produce a product, including raw materials, assemblies, and...
• BilletA length of semi-finished metal with a square or circular cross-section, produced by continuous casting or by...
• BIMA process involving the creation and management of digital representations of physical and functional...
• BimetalA material composed of two distinct metals joined together, usually by bonding, cladding, or welding, to...
• Bi-modeDescribing a vehicle or piece of equipment capable of operating using two distinct power sources, which can...
• Bind offTo finish a piece of knitting by securing the active stitches from the needle to prevent them from...
• BinderA substance or material used to hold other materials together, forming a cohesive mass or structure. In...
• BindingA tight spot in the travel of a sliding or rotating mechanism where the moving parts rub hard enough to...
• BingoA pre-briefed fuel state at which an aircraft must terminate its mission and proceed directly to the intended...
• BiobedA contained system designed to collect and degrade pesticide rinsate and spillage from sprayer filling...
• BiodynamicDescribing an agricultural method that views the farm as a single, self-sustaining organism, integrating...
• BiodynamicsA holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, and food production. It involves specific...
• BioelectronicRelating to the integration of biological systems with electronic devices, often for sensing, actuation, or...
• BioelectronicsThe interdisciplinary field that applies electronic engineering principles and methods to biological systems...
• BiolithA rock formed from the accumulation of organic remains, such as shells, corals, or plant fragments. These...
• BiotelemetryThe remote measurement and transmission of physiological data from living organisms. This technology uses...
• BIPVAn abbreviation for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, a type of solar energy technology where photovoltaic...
• BirdieAn unwanted spurious signal or oscillation that appears in the output of an electronic circuit, often at a...
• BirdsmouthA notch cut into a rafter to allow it to sit securely on a wall plate or beam. This cut consists of a...
• BiscuitA small, oval-shaped, compressed wood wafer, typically made from beech, used in joinery to align and...
• Biscuit firingThe initial firing of raw, unfired clay (greenware) to a temperature sufficient to harden it and remove all...
• BiscuitryA wood-joining technique that uses a small, oval-shaped wafer of compressed wood, known as a biscuit, to...
• BisphericDescribing a lens surface built from two spherical zones, so that the curvature at the centre differs from...
• BisqueCeramic ware that has undergone an initial firing, known as biscuit firing, to harden the clay body. At this...
• Bit intervalThe duration of time allocated for the transmission of a single binary digit, or bit, in a digital...
• Bit stuffingA technique in data transmission where extra bits are inserted into a data stream to prevent the accidental...
• BiteThe corroding action of acid on a metal printing plate during etching. In relief etching the acid eats away...
• Bite pointThe specific point in the travel of a manual transmission's clutch pedal where the clutch disc begins to...
• Biting pointThe specific position in the release of a manual transmission's clutch pedal where the clutch plates start to...
• BitrateThe rate at which bits are transferred or processed over a communication channel or within a system. It...
• BitterA turn of a cable about the bitts, the paired posts on a ship's deck used to hold the anchor cable. The...
• BituminosulfonateA water-soluble organic substance derived from the sulfonation of sulfur-rich oil shale distillates. This...
• BIWAn abbreviation for Body In White, referring to the stage in automobile manufacturing where the vehicle's...
• BlackThe portion of a wildland fire's area that has already burned, leaving behind charred vegetation and cooled...
• Black copperAn impure form of copper produced during the initial smelting stages of copper ores, containing a high...
• Black holeA visual illusion experienced by pilots during night landings over unlit terrain or water, where the absence...
• Black noiseTechnical silence, meaning noise whose power sits near zero across the spectrum apart from a handful of...
• Black sandHeavy, dark-colored mineral grains, primarily magnetite, ilmenite, and other iron-rich minerals, often found...
• Black spotA geographical area or specific location where wireless communication signals are significantly weak or...
• Black startThe process of restoring power to an electricity grid after a complete shutdown or blackout, without relying...
• Black tinThe concentrate of cassiterite (tin dioxide) ore, obtained after initial crushing, grinding, and gravity...
• BlacklegA highly fatal bacterial disease in cattle and sheep, caused by the anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium...
• Black-letterA style of typeface characterized by its heavy, angular strokes and condensed appearance, reminiscent of...
• BlacklineA pre-burned strip of vegetation used to control the spread of a prescribed fire or to reinforce a control...
• BlackwashA refractory coating, typically a suspension of graphite or another carbon-based material in water or a...
• BlackworkA style of counted-thread embroidery worked in black thread, usually on evenweave fabric, in which small...
• BladeA flat, broad section of a propeller, rudder, or turbine that is designed to interact with water or air to...
• BlankA workpiece that has been cut or formed into a basic shape but requires further machining or finishing...
• Blanket insulationA type of thermal insulation supplied in rolls or pre-cut batts, typically made from fiberglass, mineral...
• Blanket stitchA hand embroidery stitch used to finish an edge, prevent fraying, or as a decorative element. It forms a...
• BlanketingA layer of selected granular material, such as sand or crushed stone, placed between the track ballast and...
• BlankholderA component of a drawing die that applies controlled pressure to the edges of a sheet metal blank during a...
• BlankingA sheet metal cutting operation where a punch and die are used to cut out a desired shape from a larger...
• Blast furnaceA large, cylindrical industrial furnace used for smelting iron ores to produce molten pig iron. Iron ore...
• BlastpipeA nozzle or pipe located in the smokebox of a steam locomotive, positioned to direct exhaust steam upwards...
• BleedAn extension of a printed image or color beyond the trim edge of a page, intended to be cut off during the...
• Bleed holeA small opening or passage designed to allow the controlled escape of fluid, gas, or air from a system. These...
• BleedingThe undesirable spreading of ink beyond its intended boundaries on a substrate, resulting in blurred or fuzzy...
• BlenderA quilting fabric printed with a subtle pattern in several shades of one color, so that it reads almost as a...
• BlimpA non-rigid airship, characterized by its inflatable envelope that maintains its shape solely by the internal...
• BlindA solid plate inserted between two flanges in a pipeline to completely block flow, providing positive...
• Blind folioA page number that is intentionally omitted from appearing on a printed page, even though the page is counted...
• Blind levelA horizontal passageway or drift in a mine that does not connect directly to the surface or to another main...
• Blind nailingA fastening technique where nails are driven into the tongue of a tongue-and-groove flooring board at an...
• Blind rivetA type of mechanical fastener used to join two or more components when access is limited to only one side of...
• Blind spotAn area around a train or other railway equipment that is not visible to the operator, either directly or...
• BlindsideThe area around a vehicle that is not visible to the driver, either through direct line of sight or by using...
• BlipA momentary, sharp, and often unexpected change or indication in a signal, display, or process. In radar...
• BlipperA system that briefly opens the throttle during a downshift so engine speed rises to match the lower gear...
• BLISA Blind Spot Information System, which is a driver-assistance feature that detects vehicles in the driver's...
• BliskA single, integral component that combines both the disk and the blades of a turbomachine rotor, typically...
• BlisterA localized, raised area on a surface, such as a roof membrane or a painted finish, caused by trapped air or...
• BlockA piece of wood, metal, or linoleum engraved or carved with an image for use in relief printing. The raised...
• Block instrumentAn electromechanical device used in railway signaling to manage and indicate the occupancy status of a...
• Block modelA simplified three-dimensional model that stands in for a machine or area as a plain block built from its...
• Block postA designated location on a railway line where train movements are controlled by a signalman or dispatcher...
• Block sectionA segment of railway track between two consecutive signals, within which only one train is permitted to...
• Block signalA fixed signal at the entrance to a section of track, known as a block, that communicates track occupancy...
• Block systemA method of railway signaling that divides a line into discrete sections, called block sections, and permits...
• Block upconverterAn electronic device used in satellite communication systems to convert a block of lower-frequency signals to...
• BlockedDescribing a condition in an electrical circuit or system where the flow of current or signal is...
• BlockoutA temporary or permanent void formed within a concrete pour or other structural element. This void...
• BloomingThe initial hot rolling process that reduces large ingots or continuously cast slabs into intermediate...
• BlowTo expel water and impurities from a ship's boiler system in a process known as a blowdown. This procedure...
• Blow a backsightA setup error in total-station surveying in which, after occupying a point, the operator enters the wrong...
• Blow a fuseTo cause a fuse to melt and break an electrical circuit, typically due to an overcurrent condition or a short...
• Blow downTo rapidly release pressure from a vessel, boiler, or pipeline by venting its contents. This procedure is...
• Blow inThe initial operation of starting up a blast furnace after construction or a major reline. This involves...
• BlowableDescribing a component or material designed to intentionally fail or change state when subjected to excessive...
• BlowbackThe backward rush of flame and hot gases from a steam locomotive's firebox into the cab. It happens when the...
• Blow-byThe leakage of combustion gases from the engine's combustion chamber past the piston rings and into the...
• BlowdownThe process of removing a portion of the circulating water from a cooling tower or boiler system to control...
• BlowerA machine used in mining operations to move large volumes of air for ventilation purposes. It creates a...
• BlowholeA cavity or void within a metal casting, formed by trapped gases during solidification. These imperfections...
• Blowing agentA substance that produces a gaseous phase within a liquid or solid material, creating a cellular structure or...
• Blown diffuserA design concept in automotive aerodynamics, particularly in racing, where exhaust gases are directed into...
• BlowoffThe rapid discharge of fluid or gas from a system, often as a safety measure to relieve excessive pressure...
• BlowoutDamage to a workpiece where wood fibers tear out or splinter, typically occurring at the exit point of a...
• BlowpipeA long, hollow metal tube used by glassblowers to gather molten glass from a furnace and inflate it into...
• BlueA thin, adherent oxide layer that forms on the surface of steel when heated to specific temperatures...
• Blue boxA type of plastic electrical enclosure used in residential and light commercial construction for mounting...
• Blue JohnA rare, banded form of fluorite mineral, typically found in Derbyshire, England, and used for ornamental...
• Blue stainA discoloration in wood caused by certain types of fungi that feed on the cell contents, not the wood fibers...
• BluecapA mine spirit of English coalfield folklore, pictured as a tiny blue-skinned fairy or a small blue flame in...
• BluetopThe process of marking a construction site with blue-colored stakes or paint to indicate the final desired...
• BlungerA machine used in the ceramics industry to mix clay with water to create a liquid slurry known as slip. It...
• Blu-ray DiscAn optical disc storage format designed for high-definition video and high-capacity data storage, succeeding...
• Blu-ray driveAn optical disc drive that reads and writes data to Blu-ray discs, which offer significantly higher storage...
• BlushA milky or cloudy discoloration that appears on the surface of a newly applied paint, lacquer, or dope...
• BMSBright mild steel, a low-carbon steel bar that has been cold drawn or turned and polished to give a smooth...
• BNCA type of bayonet-style coaxial cable connector, commonly used for radio frequency (RF) applications, video...
• BNC connectorA bayonet-style coaxial cable connector designed for quick connection and disconnection of radio frequency...
• Boar hogA mature, uncastrated male pig kept for breeding purposes in swine production. Boar hogs are selected for...
• BoardTo go onto a vessel, or the side of a ship itself, as in the term 'on board'. In a command context, it is the...
• Board fingerA series of gold-plated or tinned electrical contacts located along the edge of a printed circuit board...
• BoastTo rough out a stone block, removing excess material to prepare it for finer carving or shaping. This initial...
• Boat liftA mechanical system designed to raise a boat out of the water for storage, maintenance, or transfer between...
• BoaterA stiff, flat-topped straw hat with a wide brim, traditionally worn by men in summer. It is often adorned...
• BobbleA small, spherical knot or tuft of fiber that forms on the surface of knitted or woven fabrics due to...
• Bo-BoA wheel arrangement classification for locomotives, indicating two independent bogies (Bo) each with two...
• BobtailA straight truck with a permanently attached cargo body, operating without a semi-trailer. In agriculture...
• BodkinA blunt, thick needle with a large eye, used for threading elastic, ribbon, or cord through casings or hems...
• BodyThe main block of text in a publication, distinct from display elements like headings, titles, or captions...
• Body contactThe physical connection between a person's body and an electrically live component or conductor, which can...
• Body control moduleAn electronic control unit in a vehicle responsible for managing and monitoring many electronic accessories...
• Body in blackAn automobile body structure made from black carbon-fiber composites instead of welded sheet metal, named by...
• Body in whiteThe stage in automobile manufacturing where the vehicle's sheet metal components have been welded together to...
• Body shopA specialized repair facility that focuses on restoring the exterior and structural components of vehicles...
• BodystyleThe specific configuration of a vehicle's body, defining its overall shape, passenger capacity, and intended...
• BogieA wheeled chassis or framework assembly located beneath a railway vehicle, to which the axles and wheels are...
• Bogie bolster wagonA type of railway freight car equipped with two bogies, designed for transporting long or bulky loads such as...
• BoilerplateA mass-simulator spacecraft or capsule used for testing and qualification of a launch vehicle and ground...
• BokashiA Japanese woodblock printing technique that creates a subtle, graduated wash of color or tone, often used...
• BolsterA transverse load-bearing beam or crosspiece fitted to a wagon or trailer chassis to support long items like...
• BoltA threaded fastener designed to pass through a hole in two or more components and be secured by a nut. This...
• BolterA plant that prematurely produces a flower stalk and seeds before forming a marketable crop, often due to...
• BoMA structured list of all the raw materials, sub-assemblies, intermediate assemblies, sub-components, parts...
• BomberA short, waist-length jacket with a fitted ribbed or elasticated waistband and cuffs, derived from the...
• BonanzaAn exceptionally rich and large mineral deposit, particularly of a precious metal like gold or silver, that...
• BondThe adhesion between two materials, such as concrete and reinforcing steel, or between layers of masonry...
• Bond timberA horizontal timber course built into a masonry wall to provide a continuous bearing surface or to distribute...
• BonderizationA chemical process that applies a phosphate coating to metal surfaces, primarily steel, to improve corrosion...
• BonderizeTo treat a metal surface, typically steel, with a chemical solution to form a phosphate coating. This process...
• BoneTo sight along the edge of a piece of lumber or a constructed assembly to visually check for straightness or...
• BoneyardA storage yard where damaged, obsolete or decommissioned equipment, vehicles and materials are kept until...
• BonfireA method of firing ceramic wares in an open-air setting, using combustible materials like wood, straw, or...
• BonfiringA traditional firing method for ceramics where unfired clay pieces are placed directly into a bonfire or open...
• BonnetThe hinged cover over the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, primarily used in British English. This...
• Book of ladingAn old shipping record kept by a ship's clerk or scribe in which the cargo loaded aboard was entered item by...
• Booking ladA young male employee in a railway signal box who recorded the movement of trains in the train register...
• BoomA long spar or pole extending from a mast to hold the foot of a sail, or a movable arm on a crane used for...
• BoosterA device that increases the pressure, force, or amplitude of a system or signal that is already in operation...
• BootA flexible, protective covering or sleeve designed to seal a joint or moving part from contaminants like...
• Boot cutA style of trousers or jeans characterized by a slight flare from the knee down to the ankle, designed to...
• BordA working passage or roadway driven horizontally into a coal seam, following the direction of the coal's...
• BoridingA thermochemical surface hardening process that diffuses boron atoms into the surface of a metal substrate...
• BoringA machining process that enlarges an existing hole to a precise diameter and improves its internal surface...
• BorrascaA mine or vein that has stopped yielding ore at a profit, the opposite of a bonanza. The word is Spanish for...
• Borrow pitAn excavation site from which earth material, such as soil, sand, or gravel, is extracted for use as fill...
• Borrowed neutralA wiring practice where a neutral conductor from one electrical circuit is used to complete another, separate...
• BORSCHTAn acronym representing the seven basic functions provided by a central office in a traditional telephone...
• BorsellaA specialized hand tool used in glassblowing, resembling a large pair of tongs with broad, flat, or curved...
• BossA raised, circular, or cylindrical projection on a casting or forged part, designed to provide additional...
• Boss upTo work a corner or angle in sheet lead into shape by dressing it with a bossing mallet and bossing stick, so...
• BothyA basic shelter or hut, traditionally providing simple accommodation for farm laborers, shepherds, or estate...
• BottleTo rotate slightly out of square, said of pages printed several to a sheet when the sheet is folded two or...
• Bottle houseA building constructed using glass bottles as the primary masonry units, either whole or cut. The bottles are...
• Bottle trapA compact plumbing fitting installed beneath a basin or sink to prevent sewer gases from entering a room. Its...
• BottomThe lowest part or surface of an object, structure, or container. In mechanical contexts, this often...
• Bottom dead centerThe lowest point of travel for a piston within its cylinder in a reciprocating engine or compressor. At this...
• Bottom fermentationA brewing process that uses yeast strains, specifically Saccharomyces pastorianus, which sink to the bottom...
• Bottom heatThe application of warmth to the base of a seed tray or pot to encourage germination and root development in...
• Bottom outTo reach the lowest possible limit or extent of movement for a mechanical component, often indicating that a...
• Bottom-endThe lower section of an internal combustion engine, comprising components such as the crankshaft, connecting...
• BottomerA mine worker stationed at the bottom of a shaft, responsible for managing the loading and unloading of the...
• BottomingA first dyeing step that applies a base color to yarn or fabric before a second dye, called the topping, is...
• BouleA method of sawing a log where the entire log is sawn into parallel planks without turning it, keeping the...
• BouleworkA type of decorative inlay or marquetry using tortoiseshell and thin, intricately cut pieces of metal...
• BounceAn undesirable landing characteristic where an aircraft touches down, rebounds into the air, and then touches...
• BouncelessDescribing a switch, relay, or switching circuit whose output changes cleanly, without the repeated...
• Bourbon roseA class of garden roses originating from Île Bourbon (now Réunion) in the Indian Ocean, characterized by...
• BourgeoisA historical type size in printing, equivalent to approximately 9 points. This measurement describes the...
• BowThe forward-most part of a vessel's hull, designed to cut through water and provide buoyancy. Its shape...
• Bower-Barff processAn obsolete method for protecting iron and steel from corrosion by forming a layer of black iron oxide on its...
• BoxA distinct rectangular area on a printed page, enclosed by a border or rule, used to contain and separate...
• Box stitchA type of reinforced stitching pattern that forms a square or rectangular shape, often with an 'X' sewn...
• Box vanA type of enclosed railway wagon designed for transporting general freight that requires protection from the...
• BoxcarA type of enclosed railroad freight car with a roof and sliding doors on the sides, used for transporting...
• Boxer engineAn internal combustion engine with cylinders arranged on two opposite sides of a central crankshaft, where...
• B-pillarThe vertical roof support structure located between the front and rear doors of a car, or behind the front...
• BRThe abbreviation for British Railways, the nationalized railway system of Great Britain that operated from...
• Brace upTo install temporary supports or bracing members to stabilize a structure, formwork, or excavation during...
• BracketA structural plate or triangular member used to connect and stiffen two other components that meet at an...
• BracketryA collection of brackets, which are support components designed to secure or mount other parts within a...
• BradshawA historical series of railway timetables published in Great Britain, starting in 1839. These guides provided...
• BrakeA mechanical device used in textile machinery to control the tension or speed of yarn or fabric as it moves...
• Brake assemblyA complete, integrated unit containing all the components required to slow or stop a rotating shaft or wheel...
• Brake checkThe act of a driver deliberately and abruptly applying the brakes in front of a following vehicle, with the...
• Brake fadeA reduction in braking effectiveness caused by excessive heat buildup in the braking system, typically...
• Brake lightA red lamp located at the rear of a vehicle that illuminates when the driver applies the brakes, signaling...
• Brake lineA tube or hose that carries hydraulic brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers or wheel...
• Brake shoeA component of a drum brake system that carries the friction material, known as the brake lining, and presses...
• Brake vanA specialized railway vehicle positioned at the rear of a freight train, housing a guard and braking...
• BrakedDescribing a wheel, axle, or vehicle equipped with a mechanism for slowing or stopping its motion. The...
• BrakeforceThe decelerating force applied to a vehicle by its braking system, which opposes its motion and brings it to...
• BrakemanA mine worker who rides along on trips of cars hauled underground by a locomotive or cable, throwing track...
• BrakepipeThe main pipe running the length of a railway train that connects the locomotive's air brake controls to the...
• Braking timeA duration measured from the instant the driver presses the brake pedal until the vehicle is at rest...
• BranchA certificate issued by Trinity House to a pilot who is qualified to take navigational control of a ship in...
• Branch outTo white out or open up the space around a title or other words and lines in a printed document, so that the...
• BrandmobileA motor vehicle built or customized to look like the consumer product it advertises, used as a moving...
• BratA thin layer or band of inferior coal or coaly shale found within a coal seam, which is typically discarded...
• BratticeA temporary or permanent partition installed in a mine airway to direct and control the flow of ventilation...
• BratticerA mine worker whose job is to install, move, and maintain brattices for the ventilation system in an...
• BrayerA hand tool consisting of a roller, a handle, and a frame, used for applying a thin, even layer of ink or...
• BreadbasketA region or area that produces a substantial amount of grain or other food crops, contributing significantly...
• BreadboardA construction base used for prototyping electronic circuits without soldering. It features a grid of holes...
• BreakThe coagulation and precipitation of proteins and tannins from wort during the boiling stage of brewing...
• Break of gaugeA point on a railway system where the track gauge changes, requiring goods or passengers to be transferred...
• Break upDescribing the degradation of an audio or video signal during transmission, resulting in intermittent loss of...
• Breakdown craneA specialized heavy-duty crane mounted on a railcar or truck, designed for clearing railway accidents...
• Breaking pointThe stress at which a material finally fractures under load, the end point of its stress-strain curve. In a...
• Break-of-gauge stationA railway facility where freight or passengers are transferred between trains operating on different track...
• Breakout boardA small printed circuit board that takes a single electrical component and makes its pins accessible on a...
• BreakthroughThe point at which an excavation breaks through a separating wall or the last remaining rock into an adjacent...
• Breast downTo advance a tunnel or similar underground opening by successive rounds of drilling and blasting, removing...
• BreastheightA standard reference point for measuring the diameter of a standing tree, typically defined as 4.5 feet (1.37...
• BreatherA vent or opening designed to allow air or gases to enter or exit a sealed enclosure, such as an engine...
• BreezerA vertical pipe attached to the distribution pipe of a septic system's drain field that rises above ground...
• Bresnan nozzleA type of cellar nozzle designed to be lowered through a hole in a floor to fight fires in basements...
• BreveA diacritical mark shaped like a small curved line, placed over a vowel to indicate a short pronunciation, as...
• BrevierA historical type size in printing, specifically referring to a body of type approximately 8 points in...
• Brewer's yeastA strain of yeast, primarily Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces pastorianus, used in the fermentation...
• BrewsterA unit of photoelastic stress, defined as 10^-12 square meters per newton (m^2/N). This unit quantifies the...
• BrickingThe state of an electronic device becoming permanently inoperable, rendering it as useless as a brick. This...
• BricklayTo construct walls, partitions, or other structures by laying bricks or similar masonry units in courses...
• Brick-wall limiterAn audio processing device or algorithm that prevents any signal peaks from exceeding a predefined maximum...
• BridgeA structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a body of water, valley, or road, providing passage...
• Bridge routeA railroad or main line that mainly links one major carrier to another, handling through freight received in...
• BrightDescribing a metal surface that is highly reflective and free from oxidation, scale, or other surface...
• BrightenerAn organic or inorganic chemical additive included in an electroplating bath to produce a shiny, reflective...
• BrilliantA very small, dated size of metal type standardized at 4 points in American usage, between excelsior at 3...
• Bring upTo initiate and configure a new electronic system or component to a functional state after assembly or...
• BringupThe systematic process of activating and validating a newly manufactured or assembled electronic system or...
• Bri-NylonA brand name for a type of nylon yarn or fabric, particularly popular in the mid-20th century for its...
• Brittle fractureThe sudden and rapid propagation of a crack through a material with little or no prior plastic deformation...
• BroachA mason's stone-cutting chisel, either a broad-bladed chisel or a toothed head with a row of chisel points on...
• Broad gaugeA railway track gauge that is wider than the 1,435 mm (4 feet 8.5 inches) standard gauge. Several broad...
• BroadbandA high-capacity data transmission technique that allows multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously...
• Broadcast radiationThe accumulation of frames addressed to every station, or to a group of stations, on a local network, which...
• Broadcast stormAn abnormal, high-volume flood of broadcast or multicast packets on a computer network that consumes an...
• BroadcasterA piece of farm machinery designed to disperse materials like seeds, fertilizer, or granular pesticides over...
• BroadcastingThe method of scattering seed or fertilizer uniformly over the entire surface of a field rather than placing...
• BrokePaper that is rejected during the manufacturing process due to defects or trim waste, which is then re-pulped...
• Broken inDescribing a new engine or mechanical component that has been operated under controlled, gentle conditions to...
• BronzingA surface discoloration that appears as a bronze-like sheen on plated or coated metal parts. This phenomenon...
• BroodThe heavier kinds of waste found in tin and copper ores, the dense worthless material left among the valuable...
• BroomTo impart a textured, slip-resistant surface on freshly placed concrete by pulling a specialized broom across...
• BrowAn underground roadway in a coal mine that leads to a working place, driven either up or down the slope, and...
• BrowmanA worker stationed at the top of a mine shaft, known as the pit brow or bank, who manages the movement of...
• Brown baggingThe sale by a farmer of seed saved from a harvest of a protected crop variety to other farmers for planting...
• Brown boxA plain, unbranded corrugated cardboard box used for shipping products, particularly in business-to-business...
• Brown leafA leaf that has turned brown, indicating senescence, disease, nutrient deficiency, or environmental stress in...
• BrowningA layer of plaster applied over the scratch coat in a three-coat plaster system, providing a level and even...
• BrownoutA reduction in voltage in an electrical power supply, often resulting in dimming lights and malfunctioning...
• BRSAn abbreviation for British Road Services, a former state-owned road transport company in the United Kingdom...
• BRTBus Rapid Transit, a high-quality bus-based public transportation system that delivers fast, comfortable, and...
• Brush bladeA specialized cutting attachment for a circular saw or string trimmer, designed for clearing thick weeds...
• BrushedDescribing a process where a crop, such as cotton or certain vegetables, is cleaned or prepared by passing it...
• BrusherA worker who cuts or blasts the roof or floor of a roadway to give it more height, work known as brushing...
• Brute de forgeA style of metalwork where the surface finish retains visible hammer marks and the raw texture from the...
• BSAn abbreviation for British Standard, a set of technical specifications and guidelines for products...
• BSCA Base Station Controller, the network component responsible for controlling a group of Base Transceiver...
• BSMAn abbreviation for Blind Spot Monitor, an advanced driver-assistance system that detects vehicles located in...
• BSPA technical standard for screw threads used to join and seal pipe ends by mating an external (male) with an...
• BtA common abbreviation for Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium whose spores and protein crystals are used...
• BtiA strain of the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, named israelensis, whose spores and protein crystals...
• BTUThe quantity of thermal energy required to increase the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one...
• BTXAn acronym for the aromatic hydrocarbons Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, which are volatile organic compounds...
• Bubble carA type of microcar characterized by its small size, lightweight construction, and rounded, bubble-like...
• Bubble romperA one-piece infant's or child's garment where the lower portion is gathered at the leg openings to create a...
• BuccaneerA pirate or privateer who raided Spanish ships and colonies in the Caribbean in the 17th century. The name...
• BuckTo resist or oppose a force, often in the context of metal deformation or fastening. In riveting, to 'buck' a...
• BuckerA heavy, dolly-like tool or a person who uses it to support the back end of a rivet while the head is being...
• BucketA scoop-shaped container attached to excavators, loaders, or other heavy equipment for digging, lifting, and...
• Bucket brigadeA type of analog delay line circuit, specifically a Bucket-Brigade Device (BBD), that stores and transfers...

586 of 7,291 terms in Industrial and trades terminology (MLC-0113). Request the full dataset.