Industrial and trades terminology · MLC-0113

Industrial and trades terms: P (533)

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• P2PA logistics model where goods are transported directly from a point of origin to a final destination without...
• P5The codename for the first generation of Intel Pentium microprocessors, introduced in 1993. This architecture...
• PacerA class of lightweight diesel multiple-unit passenger trains built for British Rail between 1980 and 1987...
• Pachuca tankA tall, cylindrical tank used in mineral processing, particularly for the agitation and leaching of finely...
• PacificA steam locomotive wheel arrangement characterized by a 4-6-2 configuration, meaning four leading wheels, six...
• PadA piece of material placed between two surfaces to provide cushioning, support, protection, or a specific...
• Paddle shifterA control mechanism, mounted on or near the steering wheel, that allows a driver to manually select gears in...
• PaddockA place in a superficial deposit, in alluvial and placer mining, where ore or washdirt is excavated, or a...
• Paddy fieldA flooded parcel of arable land used for growing semi-aquatic crops, most notably rice. These fields are...
• PAEPhysical Address Extension, a feature in x86 processors that allows 32-bit operating systems to access more...
• PageTo send a short message or alert to a pager device, typically consisting of a numerical code or a brief text...
• Page proofA preliminary printout of a page, or series of pages, showing the text, images, and layout exactly as they...
• PagerA small, portable telecommunication device that receives short messages or alerts. These devices typically...
• PaintA protective and decorative coating applied to the exterior and interior surfaces of an aircraft. It shields...
• PALThe flag carrier airline of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, whose ICAO airline designator is PAL, with...
• PalmA hand-held leather and metal device worn by sailmakers and riggers to push large needles through heavy...
• PAMPulse Amplitude Modulation, a modulation technique where the amplitude of a series of pulses is varied in...
• Pamela hatA straw hat with a low crown and a wide, flat brim, tied under the chin with ribbons and named for the...
• PanA fabricated sheet metal form used in the construction of steel stairs, typically in commercial or industrial...
• Pan formerA specialized machine used in the manufacturing of metal roofing or siding panels, which forms the distinct...
• PancakeA structural collapse in which the floors of a building fall one after another, each landing on the floor...
• PanelA rectangular block of a coal seam or ore body that is designated for extraction as a single unit in an...
• Pan-panAn international urgency signal used in radiotelephone communications to indicate a situation that is serious...
• PantographA device mounted on the roof of an electric train, tram, or trolleybus that collects electric current from an...
• PantoscopicDescribing the downward tilt of spectacle frames relative to the wearer's face, where the bottom of the lens...
• Paper airplaneA toy glider made from a folded sheet of paper, used in educational and recreational contexts to demonstrate...
• Paper clayA ceramic material created by blending processed cellulose fibers, such as paper pulp, into a clay body. The...
• Paper jamA malfunction in a printing press or copier where paper becomes stuck or misfed within the machine's...
• ParachuteA device designed to slow the descent of an object or person through an atmosphere by creating aerodynamic...
• ParaffinA waxy hydrocarbon compound, primarily composed of alkanes, that can precipitate from crude oil or natural...
• ParaformerA type of transformer that uses a parametric oscillating circuit, rather than direct magnetic coupling, to...
• ParagonA traditional named size of metal type measuring 20 points, larger than great primer at 18 points and smaller...
• Parallax motionThe apparent displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object viewed along two different...
• ParallelDescribing a fold or series of folds made in the same direction, with each fold line parallel to the others...
• Parallelogram of forcesA graphical method used to find the resultant of two concurrent forces. The two forces are represented as...
• ParasiteAn aircraft that is carried aloft and launched in flight by a larger mother ship or carrier aircraft. The...
• ParasiticAn undesirable electrical component or effect that arises unintentionally in an electronic circuit or device...
• Parasitic elementAn antenna component, such as a reflector or director, that is not directly connected to the transmission...
• Parcel shelfA rigid or semi-rigid panel located behind the rear seats in a hatchback or sedan, providing a flat surface...
• ParcelsSmall packages or items transported by rail, distinct from bulk freight or passenger luggage. This service...
• PARDAn acronym for Periodic and Random Deviation, a specification for DC power supplies that measures the...
• PargeTo apply a thin coat of cementitious or lime-based mortar to a masonry surface, such as a foundation wall or...
• PargetingA traditional form of decorative or protective plastering applied to the exterior of buildings, particularly...
• PargingA thin coat of cementitious mortar applied to a vertical masonry surface, such as a foundation wall. This...
• ParisonA preliminary shape of glass, typically a hollow tube or solid gob, that is subsequently blown or pressed...
• ParityA concept in agricultural economics referring to a state of equivalent purchasing power for agricultural...
• ParkA transmission gear selector position that mechanically locks the drivetrain, preventing the vehicle's wheels...
• ParkaA type of heavy, hooded coat designed for cold weather, extending to the hips or knees to provide substantial...
• ParliamentaryA type of passenger train service in the United Kingdom run to fulfill a legal requirement rather than to...
• Parliamentary trainA train service operated in the United Kingdom to fulfill a legal obligation to provide a minimum level of...
• ParsecA unit of astronomical distance, defined as the distance at which one astronomical unit subtends an angle of...
• Part numberAn alphanumeric identifier assigned to a specific component or assembly within a manufacturing or inventory...
• Parting sandA fine, dry, non-binding sand or powder applied to the meeting surfaces of a two-part sand mould in a...
• Party lineA telephone circuit shared by two or more subscribers, where all users on the line can hear each other's...
• PassA passing of two trains travelling in the same direction on a single track, in which the slower train is put...
• Pass transistorA transistor used as a switch to control the flow of current between two points in a circuit, allowing a...
• PassageA voyage or journey by sea from one port or place to another, covering a specific route. The term encompasses...
• Passenger carA type of railway rolling stock designed for transporting people. These cars are equipped with seating...
• Passenger compartmentThe enclosed area within a vehicle designed to accommodate occupants, separated from the engine bay and cargo...
• Passenger kilometerA unit of measurement representing the transport of one passenger over a distance of one kilometer. This...
• Passenger seatA designated seating component within a vehicle or aircraft designed for the comfortable and safe...
• Passenger trainA train composed of one or more passenger cars, propelled by a locomotive or integrated power units...
• PassiveDescribing an electronic component that does not require an external power source to operate and cannot...
• Passive restraintA safety system in a vehicle that operates automatically to protect occupants during a collision without...
• PassthroughA mechanism or configuration that allows data, signals, or power to move directly through a device or system...
• PastoralistA person who raises livestock, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, on rangelands or pastures. This practice...
• PATA centrifugal pump that is operated in reverse to function as a hydraulic turbine for power generation. A...
• PATAParallel Advanced Technology Attachment, an interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard...
• PatchA piece of material, often paper or film, applied to a printing plate or film negative to correct a defect...
• PatcherA helper to the driver of the mules or horses that hauled coal cars underground, a junior haulage job in...
• Pâte de verreA glassmaking technique that involves crushing glass into a fine powder, mixing it with a binder and coloring...
• PathA scheduled slot or allocation of track capacity for a train to run between two points at a specific time...
• PatternA replica of the object to be cast, made slightly larger to account for metal shrinkage, used to create the...
• Pattern boxA box at each side of a loom that holds the several shuttles carrying different weft yarns. A selecting...
• Pavement princessA pickup truck or SUV, usually a four-wheel-drive model, that is heavily customized with off-road accessories...
• PaverA pre-formed unit of concrete, brick, or natural stone used to create durable and decorative surfaces for...
• PayTo feed a line or chain out by hand or with mechanical assistance, allowing it to run freely or under...
• Pay dirtGravel, sand, or other earthen material that contains a sufficient concentration of a valuable mineral, such...
• PaykanAn iconic Iranian automobile produced by Iran Khodro (formerly Iran National) from 1967 to 2005. It was based...
• Payment terminalA point-of-sale device that interfaces with payment cards to make electronic fund transfers. It reads...
• PaystreakA specific, elongated zone or layer within a larger rock formation that has a significantly higher...
• PbAn abbreviation for power brakes, used in vehicle classified ads and equipment lists alongside ps for power...
• PBRAn acronym for Plant Breeder's Rights, a form of intellectual property that gives the breeder of a new plant...
• PBXA private branch exchange, which is a telephone switching system that serves a specific business or office...
• PCAAn abbreviation for Printed Circuit Assembly, a bare printed circuit board (PCB) populated with the...
• PCBA flat board that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive...
• PCCA specialized roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ship designed exclusively for transporting new, unboxed automobiles...
• PCDThe diameter of an imaginary circle passing through the center of the bolt holes on a wheel or hub assembly...
• PCEThe ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the electrical power produced by a photovoltaic device to the amount...
• PCI ExpressA high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard designed to replace the older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP...
• PCIeA high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard, an acronym for Peripheral Component Interconnect...
• PclkA pixel clock, which is the frequency at which individual pixels are transmitted in a digital video signal...
• PCRA pitch control rod, the link on a helicopter rotor that joins the rotating swashplate to the pitch horn of a...
• PCSA set of mobile communication capabilities and technologies, known as Personal Communications Service, that...
• PCVPositive Crankcase Ventilation, a system in internal combustion engines designed to remove harmful blow-by...
• PDA semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current, known as a photodiode (PD). The...
• PDAA ruggedized handheld computer, or Personal Digital Assistant, used in industrial and warehouse settings for...
• PDCA prefabricated building or enclosure that houses medium and low voltage switchgear, motor control centers...
• PDIA Pre-Delivery Inspection, a thorough check performed on a new vehicle by a dealership before it is handed...
• PDLCPolymer-dispersed liquid crystal, a material composed of liquid crystal droplets dispersed within a polymer...
• PDPA plasma display panel, a type of flat panel display that uses small cells containing noble gases. An...
• PEThe conductor providing a connection between exposed conductive parts of an electrical installation and the...
• PeachblowA specific type of ceramic glaze characterized by a delicate, mottled pink or reddish-pink color, resembling...
• PeakThe stiff, forward-projecting brim on the front of a cap or hat, designed to shade the eyes from the sun...
• Peak shavingThe process of reducing electrical power consumption during periods of high demand to avoid high utility...
• PearlA small type size in letterpress printing, historically measuring approximately 5 points. This size was one...
• PedestalA rigid stand that supports a machine at a convenient working height and holds it steady, as under a pedestal...
• Pedestal coilA heating radiator formed from several straight pipes joined together and stacked in horizontal rows, one...
• Pedestal serverA server housed in a standalone, upright chassis that resembles a traditional desktop computer tower. This...
• PedipulatorA walking mechanism that gives a robot or vehicle the ability to move on legs, and by extension a machine...
• Peekaboo blouseA woman's upper garment featuring cutouts, sheer panels, or open-weave fabrics like lace or mesh, designed to...
• Peekaboo dressA dress that incorporates design elements such as sheer fabric panels, strategically placed cutouts, or...
• Peel outTo accelerate a vehicle rapidly from a standstill, causing the drive wheels to lose traction and spin...
• Peel strengthThe average force per unit width of bond line required to pull a flexible layer, such as a membrane, tape, or...
• PeelerA machine or tool designed to remove the outer skin or rind from fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural...
• PellicleA thin, transparent membrane or film used in optical systems to protect sensitive surfaces or to act as a...
• PeloidA spherical or ovoid grain composed of micritic carbonate, lacking internal structure, found in carbonate...
• PEMA type of electrolyte membrane used in fuel cells and electrolyzers, typically made from a fluoropolymer...
• PEMSPortable Emissions Measurement System, a device used to measure real-world exhaust emissions from vehicles...
• PencilA narrow, approximately cylindrical or conical beam of light rays that converges to or diverges from a single...
• PendantA short length of wire or fiber rope fitted with a thimble, block, or other terminal hardware at one or both...
• PendulumA body suspended from a fixed support so that it swings back and forth under the influence of gravity. The...
• PenstaffAn upright wooden plug fitted in the central drain hole of a large mash tun in older country-house brewing...
• Pent roofA design feature in an internal combustion engine's cylinder head where the combustion chamber resembles a...
• PenticeA protective covering or shed, often constructed from timber or steel, built over an opening in a mine shaft...
• PercaleA closely woven, plain-weave cotton fabric with a smooth, crisp finish, known for its durability and...
• PerchA frame, often of frosted glass lit from behind and above, over which cloth is drawn so that an inspector can...
• PercherA worker in the textile industry responsible for inspecting finished fabric for defects. This individual...
• PerchingThe visual inspection of woven cloth, in which the fabric is drawn over a perch, a frame fitted with lights...
• PerennializationThe process of converting annual crop systems or plants into perennial forms, allowing them to live for more...
• PerfectingThe process of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper in a single pass through a printing press. This...
• Perfecting pressA type of printing press capable of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper in a single pass through the...
• Peripheral deviceAn auxiliary device that connects to a computer or other electronic system to expand its functionality. These...
• PeritrochiumThe wheel part of a wheel and axle, the classical simple machine in which a large wheel is fixed to a smaller...
• PermacultureA design philosophy for creating sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems. It integrates land...
• Permanent wayThe complete track structure of a railway, including the rails, fasteners, sleepers (ties), and ballast or...
• PermissibleDescribing mining equipment, explosives, or materials that have been tested and approved by regulatory bodies...
• Permissive workingA signaling arrangement that allows more than one train to occupy a block section of track simultaneously...
• Pernot furnaceA reverberatory open-hearth furnace for making steel, whose shallow circular hearth rotates slowly about its...
• Perpendicular recordingA data storage technology used in hard disk drives where magnetic bits are oriented vertically to the disk...
• Person-to-personA type of telephone call where the caller specifies a particular individual to speak with, and the operator...
• PESPhotoelectron Spectroscopy, an analytical technique used to study the electronic structure of materials by...
• PetabecquerelA unit of radioactivity equal to one quadrillion (10¹⁵) becquerels, symbolized as PBq. This large unit is...
• PetagramA unit of mass equal to one quadrillion (10¹⁵) grams or one billion metric tons, with the symbol Pg. Due to...
• PetahertzA unit of frequency equal to one quadrillion (10¹⁵) hertz, symbolized as PHz. This frequency range...
• PetajouleA unit of energy equal to one quadrillion (10¹⁵) joules, symbolized as PJ. It is used to measure very large...
• PetakelvinA unit of thermodynamic temperature equal to one quadrillion (10^15) kelvins. This extremely high temperature...
• PetametreA unit of length in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one quadrillion (10^15) metres. This...
• PetasecondA unit of time in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one quadrillion (10^15) seconds. This...
• PetawattA unit of power equal to 10^15 watts. The sunlight reaching Earth carries about 174 petawatts, while the peak...
• Peter Pan collarA style of flat, soft collar with rounded corners that lies against the garment instead of standing up. It is...
• PetrochemicalA chemical compound derived from petroleum or natural gas, serving as a building block for countless...
• PetrographyThe branch of geology that involves the systematic description and classification of rocks. This analysis...
• Petrol capThe removable cover that seals the opening of a vehicle's fuel tank, preventing fuel from spilling out and...
• Petrol engineAn internal combustion engine that ignites a mixture of gasoline (petrol) and air by means of an electric...
• PetroliferousDescribing a rock formation or geological region that contains petroleum, including crude oil and natural...
• Petticoat pipeA tapered pipe located within the smokebox of a steam locomotive, positioned above the blastpipe nozzle and...
• PfbA knitting abbreviation for purl into the front and back of the same stitch, an increase that turns one...
• PFCA technique used to improve the power factor of an electrical load, making it appear more resistive to the...
• PFDAn abbreviation for "Prepared for Dyeing," referring to fabric that has undergone all necessary pre-treatment...
• PFIPort Fuel Injection, an engine fuel delivery system where fuel injectors spray fuel into the intake ports...
• PGAA Pin Grid Array, a type of integrated circuit packaging where the pins are arranged in a square grid on the...
• PhaetonA style of open automobile body popular in the early 20th century, characterized by having no fixed roof or...
• PhaneriteAn igneous rock in which the individual mineral grains are large enough to be visible to the unaided eye...
• PhaneriticDescribing the texture of an igneous rock where the constituent mineral grains are sufficiently large to be...
• Phantom jamA traffic congestion event that occurs without any apparent cause, such as an accident, road construction, or...
• PhaseThe position of a point in time on a waveform or signal cycle, relative to a reference point. In alternating...
• Phase angleThe angular difference in time or space between two alternating current (AC) waveforms of the same frequency...
• Phase-locked loopAn electronic circuit that synchronizes an oscillator's output signal with the phase of an input reference...
• PHEVAn abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a type of hybrid vehicle with a battery that is...
• Phone treeA hierarchical communication system used to disseminate information quickly to a group of people by...
• Phonic wheelA toothed wheel fixed to a rotating shaft, whose passing teeth are sensed by a magnetic pickup to give a...
• PhosphateA salt or ester of phosphoric acid, containing the phosphate ion (PO4^3-), which is a primary nutrient for...
• PhosphineA colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas with the chemical formula PH3, possessing a characteristic...
• PhotochopperA device that periodically interrupts a light beam, converting a continuous light signal into a pulsed one...
• PhotodiodeA semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current. When photons strike the photodiode...
• PhotoletteringA method of setting type using photographic processes, where characters are projected onto photosensitive...
• PhotometeorAn optical phenomenon observed in the atmosphere, resulting from the interaction of sunlight or moonlight...
• Photomultiplier tubeA vacuum tube that detects and amplifies extremely low levels of light. It operates by converting photons...
• Photo-offsetA printing process that combines photographic techniques for image transfer with the offset lithography...
• PhotoresistorA passive electronic component, also known as a light-dependent resistor (LDR), whose electrical resistance...
• PhotothyristorA semiconductor device that functions as a light-activated switch, similar to a silicon controlled rectifier...
• PhototransistorA bipolar junction transistor (BJT) that is sensitive to light, where incident light acts as the base current...
• PhotovisualDescribing an optical system or measurement that is corrected for both photographic and visual observation...
• Physical twinA tangible, real-world asset or system that is represented by a digital twin, allowing for real-time data...
• PIAn abbreviation for Preliminary Information, a type of technical bulletin issued by an automotive...
• PICA family of microcontrollers made by Microchip Technology, known as a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC)...
• PicaA unit of measurement used in typography and printing, equivalent to approximately 1/6 of an inch or 12...
• Pica stickA specialized ruler used in graphic arts and printing to measure type sizes, line lengths, and other layout...
• PiccadillyA deep-level London Underground line shown in dark blue on the Tube map, running from Cockfosters in the...
• PickA defect in paper characterized by the lifting of fibers from the paper's surface during the printing...
• Pick stitchA small, individual stitch that passes through all layers of fabric and is visible on the right side of a...
• Pick-at-willA weft selection motion on a loom, usually a multiple drop-box mechanism, that can bring any of its weft...
• PickerA machine or device used in textile manufacturing to open and clean raw fibers, such as cotton or wool, by...
• PickleTo clean the surface of metal by immersing it in an acid solution to remove scale, rust, and other...
• PicoampereA unit of electrical current equal to one-trillionth (10⁻¹²) of an ampere. The picoampere is a standard SI...
• PicocellA small cellular base station designed to provide network coverage in a localized area, such as inside...
• PicogramA unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a gram. This...
• PicokatalA unit of catalytic activity in the International System of Units (SI) equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a...
• PicometreA unit of length equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a metre. It is used at atomic scales, for example for...
• PiconewtonA measurement of force representing one-trillionth (10⁻¹²) of a newton. This SI unit is used in...
• PicosecondA unit of time equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a second. This extremely short interval is used in fields...
• PicosiemensA unit of electrical conductance in the International System of Units (SI), representing one trillionth...
• Picqué workA decorative technique involving the inlay of small points or strips of precious metal, such as gold or...
• Picture framingA roofing defect in which ridges in the membrane or covering form a grid of squares or rectangles over the...
• Picture tubeA cathode ray tube (CRT) specifically designed to display images, primarily used in older televisions and...
• Pie crust collarA high collar trimmed with an even ruffle shaped like a fluted pie crust. The frill is made by gathering or...
• Piece goodsTextile fabrics sold by the yard or meter from a bolt, rather than as finished garments or pre-cut patterns...
• Piece-dyeTo color a textile fabric after it has been woven or knitted, but before it is cut and sewn into a finished...
• PiecenTo join the ends of a broken yarn or sliver during textile manufacturing processes like spinning or weaving...
• PierA structure extending out over water, supported by piles or columns, used for mooring vessels, loading and...
• Pig farmAn agricultural operation that raises and breeds domestic pigs, mainly for pork, bacon and ham. Facilities...
• Pig ironAn intermediate product of iron smelting, produced in a blast furnace, containing a high carbon content...
• PigtailA short, flexible electrical conductor with a connector on one or both ends, used to connect a component to a...
• PigtailedDescribing an electrical component or device that has a short length of wire or fiber optic cable permanently...
• PileAn early form of electric battery, also known as a voltaic pile, constructed from alternating layers of two...
• Piling rigA heavy construction machine designed to install deep foundation piles into the ground. It typically consists...
• PillA small ball of tangled fibers that forms on the surface of a fabric due to abrasion during wear or washing...
• PilledDescribing a fabric surface that has developed small, fuzzy balls of fibers, known as pills, due to abrasion...
• PilotA small-diameter bore drilled ahead of the main wellbore or excavation to gather geological information or to...
• Pilot vehicleA specialized vehicle that escorts an oversized or overweight load during transport to warn other motorists...
• PilotmanA qualified railway employee authorized to accompany a train through a section of track where normal...
• PinA cylindrical or tapered fastener used to align, join, or secure machine components. It functions by being...
• Pin headerAn electrical connector consisting of one or more rows of male pins spaced at a standard interval and mounted...
• PiñaA cone of silver made in the mercury amalgamation of silver ore in Spanish America. Silver amalgam was shaped...
• PinchTo remove the main growing tip from a young plant, either with fingers or shears, to encourage lateral...
• Pinch outA geological condition where a rock layer or stratum thins progressively to zero thickness. This occurs when...
• Pinch rollerA free-spinning wheel, often coated with rubber or another high-friction material, that presses media against...
• PinchingThe horticultural practice of removing the terminal bud or growing tip from a plant stem. This technique...
• PincushionA small, firm cushion used to hold pins and needles, keeping them organized and readily accessible during...
• Pincushion cornerA survey corner where numerous unrelated or conflicting monuments have been placed over time, making it...
• Pineapple opalA rare and distinctive form of opal found in Australia, characterized by its unusual pineapple-like shape...
• PinfeedA paper feeding mechanism that uses sprockets to engage with holes along the edges of continuous form paper...
• PinionA small gear that meshes with a larger gear or a rack to transmit motion or change direction. It typically...
• Pinking shearsScissors with serrated blades that cut a zigzag edge into fabric, rather than a straight one. This...
• PinoutA reference diagram or table that identifies the function of each pin on an electrical connector, integrated...
• PipeA shrinkage cavity that forms in the upper central part of an ingot or casting during solidification. This...
• Pipe benderA tool used to form accurate and smooth curves in metal or plastic pipes without kinking or collapsing the...
• PipedDescribing a rail vehicle that has a through brake pipe but no working brake of its own operated from the...
• PipingA decorative trim consisting of a cord or strip of fabric folded and inserted into a seam, creating a raised...
• PiquéA weaving or knitting method that produces a fabric with a textured, raised pattern, such as cords, waffles...
• Pistol pipeA cast-iron heating pipe used in the hot-blast stoves of older ironworks, named for its peculiar pistol-like...
• PistonA component that moves within a cylinder, driven by fluid pressure or creating fluid pressure. It transmits...
• Pit bossA supervisor in a mine, responsible for overseeing a specific section or shift of underground or surface...
• PIT maneuverA tactical pursuit intervention technique employed by law enforcement to force a fleeing vehicle to turn...
• PitchA dark, viscous, and often sticky residue obtained from the distillation of coal tar, petroleum, or wood tar...
• Pitch miningThe mining of steeply inclined seams of coal, the seams that pitch sharply rather than lie nearly flat. The...
• Pitching pieceA horizontal timber at a stair landing that supports the floor of the platform and gives the sloping...
• PitfallA hidden or unapparent hazard within a mine, such as an unmarked shaft, an unstable rock formation, or a...
• Pitting resistance equivalent numberA calculated value used to predict the resistance of stainless steels and other alloys to pitting corrosion...
• PitworkThe system of pumps, rods, and associated machinery used to dewater a mine shaft and underground workings...
• PitwrightA craftsman responsible for the construction and maintenance of timber supports, headframes, and pumping...
• PIVParticle Image Velocimetry, a non-intrusive optical method for measuring fluid velocity fields. It involves...
• Pizza dishA small, circular satellite dish antenna, typically less than one meter in diameter, used for receiving...
• PK nailA hardened steel nail with a distinctive head, used as a temporary or semi-permanent survey marker in...
• PlaidA pattern consisting of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, forming squares and...
• Plain workMasonry construction consisting of regular, unadorned surfaces without decorative elements like moldings...
• Plain-wovenDescribing a fabric constructed using the simplest and most common weaving technique, where each weft yarn...
• PlanachromaticDescribing an objective lens in a microscope that corrects for both chromatic and spherical aberrations...
• PlanapochromaticDescribing an objective lens that offers superior correction for chromatic aberration and field curvature...
• PlaneA hand tool used to shave thin layers of wood from a surface, creating a smooth and flat finish or reducing...
• PlanerA woodworking machine that shaves a consistent thickness from the face of a board, making it parallel to the...
• Planet wheelA gear in a planetary gear set that revolves around a central sun gear while also meshing with an outer ring...
• Plank-sheerThe outermost plank of a wooden vessel's deck, which follows the sheer or curve of the deck from bow to...
• Planning permissionFormal approval granted by a local planning authority for proposed building work or changes to land use. This...
• PlanoconcaveA type of lens that has one flat surface and one inwardly curved, or concave, surface. This lens design...
• PlanoconvexDescribing a lens that has one flat surface and one outwardly curved, convex surface. When made of a material...
• PlanographyA printing process where the image and non-image areas are on the same flat surface of the printing plate...
• Plant outTo transfer young plants from a protected environment, such as a greenhouse or cold frame, to their final...
• PlasticultureThe agricultural practice of using plastic materials to modify growing environments and improve crop yields...
• PlateA thin, flat sheet of metal, plastic, or paper onto which an image is transferred for printing. This...
• PlatenA flat, rigid plate or surface that provides support or applies pressure in a mechanical process. In...
• PlatformA common set of underlying structural components, chassis, and sometimes powertrain elements shared across...
• Platform loopA section of track that diverges from the main line and runs alongside a station platform, then rejoins the...
• PlattenA flat plate or surface in a machine that applies pressure or provides a base for a workpiece. In printing...
• PlayerAn electronic device designed to reproduce audio, video, or other digital media content. It reads data from a...
• PlayshortsShort trousers designed for casual wear, sports, or active recreation, particularly for children. They are...
• PLBA portable, battery-powered radio transmitter used to alert search and rescue services in a life-threatening...
• PLCA Programmable Logic Controller, an industrial digital computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the...
• PLDAn electronic component used to build reconfigurable digital circuits. Unlike fixed-function logic gates, a...
• PleachTo interweave the branches of trees or shrubs to form a living fence, hedge, or archway. This technique...
• PleatA fold in fabric that is pressed or stitched into place, creating fullness and decorative texture in a...
• PLEDPolymer Light-Emitting Diode, a type of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that uses a conductive polymer as...
• PlenopticRelating to the light field, which describes the intensity of light rays traveling in every direction through...
• PLICA hardware block that manages interrupt requests from peripheral devices and routes them to one or more...
• PloughAn agricultural implement used for initial cultivation of soil in preparation for sowing seed or planting. It...
• PloughingThe agricultural process of turning over the soil in a field using a plough, preparing it for planting. This...
• PluckingA printing defect where fibers or coating from the paper surface are pulled away by the tackiness of the ink...
• PlugA piece of wood, fibre, or plastic fitted into a hole or joint in masonry or concrete to give a nail or screw...
• PlummingThe mine-surveying operation of using a miner's dial, a compass made for underground work, to find where an...
• PlyingThe process of twisting together two or more single strands of yarn to form a stronger, thicker, and more...
• PMPreventive maintenance: A scheduled program of inspections, servicing, and repairs performed on equipment to...
• pMOSA p-type Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor field-effect transistor, a type of transistor where the current is carried...
• pMOSFETA type of MOSFET that uses holes as the majority charge carriers for conduction. It operates by creating an...
• PMRA Protected Membrane Roof, an inverted roofing assembly where the waterproofing membrane is installed...
• PMTA Photomultiplier Tube, a vacuum tube that detects and amplifies extremely low levels of light. It operates...
• PMVA vehicle licensed to carry paying passengers on public roads, short for public motor vehicle. The term is...
• PocketA small bag or pouch sewn into or onto a garment, used for carrying small items or for decorative purposes...
• Pocket squareA small, decorative piece of fabric, usually silk, linen, or cotton, folded and placed in the breast pocket...
• Pocket-holeA type of joinery where an angled hole is drilled into one workpiece, allowing a self-tapping screw to be...
• Pocket-hole jigA woodworking tool that guides a drill bit at a shallow angle into a workpiece, creating a pilot hole for a...
• PogoA self-excited longitudinal vibration in a liquid-propellant rocket, short for pogo oscillation. Unstable...
• PointTo fill the joints between masonry units, such as bricks or stones, with mortar or a similar material. This...
• Point chargeAn idealized electric charge that is considered to exist at a single point in space, having no physical...
• Point heaterA device used in railway systems to prevent ice and snow from accumulating on and obstructing the movement of...
• Point particleAn idealized object in physics that has mass or charge but no spatial extent, meaning it occupies a single...
• Point presserA specialized pressing tool with a narrow, pointed end and often a flat, extended surface, used to achieve...
• Points, see Point
• Polarization chargeAn induced electric charge that appears on the surfaces of a dielectric material when it is placed in an...
• PolaskiA specialized hand tool used in wildland firefighting and trail building, combining an axe and an adze on a...
• PoleTo stir molten copper with poles of green wood, which release reducing gases and hydrocarbons that remove...
• PoletimberTrees that have grown beyond the sapling stage but have not yet reached sawtimber size, characterized by a...
• PollardTo prune a tree by removing the upper branches, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches from the cut...
• Polygon of forcesA graphical method for combining several coplanar forces acting at a point, in which each force is drawn to...
• PolygonizationThe process by which a deformed crystal lattice rearranges itself into an array of slightly misoriented...
• PolygonizeTo undergo the process of polygonization, where a deformed crystalline material forms a network of low-angle...
• PolyhedralA wing design where the wing is angled upwards from the root in multiple sections, creating a shallow...
• PolyhedronA three-dimensional solid figure whose surfaces are all flat polygons. These flat surfaces are called faces...
• Polymeric sandA finely graded sand mixed with polymer binders, used to fill the joints between pavers. When activated with...
• PolyphaseDescribing an alternating current (AC) electrical power system that uses multiple alternating voltages...
• Polyphase circuitAn electrical circuit that uses multiple alternating current (AC) voltages, typically three, which are...
• PolypinA bag-in-box container designed for dispensing liquids, commonly used for beverages like cider or wine. It...
• PolysiliconPolycrystalline silicon, a form of silicon composed of multiple small silicon crystals. It is widely used in...
• PomelleA distinctive figure or grain pattern found in certain wood species, characterized by a shimmering...
• PondingThe accumulation of water on a flat or low-slope roof surface that remains for more than 48 hours after...
• Pontil markA small, rough scar or indentation left on the base of a hand-blown glass object where the pontil rod was...
• Pony carAn American class of automobile characterized by a compact, highly styled body with a long hood and short...
• Pony putterA worker in a coal mine responsible for leading ponies or horses that pull coal tubs or wagons along...
• Pony wallA short wall that does not extend to the full ceiling height, used to divide interior spaces or as the upper...
• PoolA collective group of railway rolling stock, such as locomotives or freight cars, that are managed as a...
• PoopA raised deck at the stern of a ship, forming the roof of a cabin or other structure. This elevated section...
• Pop rivetA type of blind rivet used to join two or more pieces of material when access is only available from one...
• PopcornA failure in which moisture absorbed by a plastic part or package turns to steam during rapid heating, such...
• Popcorn ceilingA spray-on or paint-on ceiling treatment with a bumpy, textured surface resembling popcorn kernels. This...
• PoppetA timber structure at the fore or aft end of a launching cradle, standing between the hull and the sliding...
• Poppet valveA valve that uses a disc or cone-shaped head, called the poppet, to seal against a mating seat. It opens by...
• PopulateTo install electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB), either manually or through automated...
• PorscheA German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The company...
• PortThe left-hand side of a vessel when an observer is on board and facing the bow, or front. This nautical term...
• Port replicatorAn external device that connects to a laptop or portable computer, providing access to multiple peripheral...
• Porte cochèreA covered entranceway extending from a building over a driveway, designed to provide shelter for people...
• PortholeA small, circular window set into the side of a ship or aircraft, designed to withstand pressure and provide...
• Portland roseA class of old garden roses known for their compact growth habit, strong fragrance, and repeat blooming...
• PortulacaA genus of succulent plants, some species of which are cultivated as ornamental garden plants or as edible...
• Positive crystalA birefringent crystal in which the extraordinary refractive index is greater than the ordinary refractive...
• Positive drainageThe design and construction of surfaces, such as roofs or paved areas, to effectively shed water away from a...
• Positive edgeThe transition of a digital signal from a low voltage level to a high voltage level. This rising edge is...
• Positive logicA convention in digital electronics where a higher voltage level represents a logical '1' or true state, and...
• Positive side waterproofingThe application of a waterproofing membrane or coating to the exterior surface of a structure, directly...
• Positive-edge-triggeredDescribing a circuit or component that changes its output state only when the clock signal transitions from a...
• PostA traditional size of printing paper measuring 19.25 by 15.5 inches, named after the post-horn watermark that...
• Post and lintelA fundamental construction system consisting of vertical elements (posts) supporting horizontal elements...
• Post office boxA portable apparatus containing resistors, switches, and terminals arranged to function as a Wheatstone...
• Post-tensionTo apply compressive stress to concrete after it has been cast and gained sufficient strength, using...
• PosttensionTo apply compressive stress to concrete after it has been cast and gained sufficient strength, using...
• PostuniformDescribing the stage of plastic deformation in a material that occurs after the point of maximum load in a...
• Pot lifeThe duration following the mixing of multi-component materials, such as adhesives, paints, or epoxies, during...
• Pot outTo transfer a plant from a smaller container into a larger pot or directly into the ground. This action...
• Potato spinnerA type of potato harvester that uses rotating tines or forks to lift potatoes from the soil and scatter them...
• PotentiometerA three-terminal variable resistor where a sliding or rotating contact moves along a resistive element...
• PotholeA circular or oval depression in a rock surface, often formed by the abrasive action of swirling water and...
• PoticheA decorative ceramic vase or jar, often with a wide, rounded body and a lid, originating from Asian pottery...
• POTSPlain Old Telephone Service: The traditional analog voice transmission system that uses copper wires to...
• PoufA gathered or puffed-out section of fabric used as a decorative element in garments or home furnishings. It...
• Pounding blockA smooth block of hardwood used in sewing and tailoring to flatten seam edges, pressed or pounded down on...
• PowerThe rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It quantifies how quickly energy is converted from...
• Power alleyA narrow strip along the centerline of the audience area in front of a stage where bass from two widely...
• Power brickAn external AC adapter that converts alternating current from a wall outlet into the low-voltage direct...
• Power cableAn electrical cable designed to transmit electrical energy from a source to a load. It consists of one or...
• Power consumptionThe rate at which electrical energy is used by an electrical device or system over a period of time. It is...
• Power cordA flexible electrical cable with a plug on one end and a connector or bare wires on the other, used to...
• Power diveA flight maneuver where an aircraft descends rapidly at a steep angle, often with engine power applied...
• Power electronicsThe branch of electrical engineering concerned with the control and conversion of electric power using...
• Power factorThe ratio of real power (kW) consumed by an AC electrical load to the apparent power (kVA) flowing into the...
• Power failureA complete loss of electrical power supply to a specific area or system, often caused by faults in the power...
• Power inverterAn electronic device that converts direct current (DC) electricity from a source, such as a battery or solar...
• Power leadA flexible electrical conductor, often insulated, used to supply electrical power from a source to a piece of...
• Power scalingThe process of increasing the output power of a laser system while maintaining or improving beam quality...
• Power shovelA heavy construction machine equipped with a large, front-mounted bucket or dipper, used for excavating and...
• Power steeringA system that reduces the effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds...
• Power to gasA technology that converts surplus electrical energy, often from renewable sources, into gaseous fuels like...
• Power-cycleTo turn an electronic device off and then back on, often to reset its state or clear temporary errors. This...
• Power-eggA self-contained, quick-change engine assembly that includes the engine, propeller, cowling, and all...
• PowerfulDescribing a coal seam or mineral vein that is of considerable thickness. A powerful deposit is substantial...
• PowershiftA type of transmission, often found in heavy-duty vehicles and agricultural machinery, that allows the...
• PowerwashTo perform a factory reset on a device, erasing all user data, applications, and configuration settings to...
• PpiPixels per inch (ppi) quantifies the resolution of an image or display by counting the number of individual...
• PPLA Private Pilot License, which authorizes the holder to fly an aircraft for personal use, but not for...
• PPTParts per trillion (PPT) represents a concentration unit indicating one part of a substance in one trillion...
• PPUA specialized coprocessor or functional block within a larger system-on-a-chip dedicated to handling graphics...
• PPVAn abbreviation for Positive Pressure Ventilation, a firefighting technique that uses a fan to introduce...
• Practical completionThe stage in a construction project when the works are substantially complete and fit for their intended...
• PrebakingA thermal process applied to electronic components or printed circuit boards before soldering or assembly...
• PreboardTo set the shape of a garment, especially a stocking, by heating it on a form or board before dyeing. The...
• PreburnerA small combustion chamber in a staged-combustion rocket engine that burns part of the propellants to make...
• PreconnectA hose line that is already connected to a pump discharge outlet and has a nozzle attached, ready for...
• PrecursorA chemical compound or material that is transformed into another substance during a manufacturing process...
• PredraftTo pull fibres slightly out of a top or roving before spinning, thinning the strand so it feeds more evenly...
• PrefixA set of letters or symbols placed before a unit of measurement to indicate a multiple or submultiple of that...
• PreignitionThe uncontrolled ignition of the air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine cylinder before the spark...
• PremiumA designation for a higher tier of product: in cars it is the market segment between mainstream and luxury...
• PrescalerAn electronic circuit that divides a high-frequency input signal by a fixed integer value, producing a...
• PreselectorA mechanism that allows for the selection of a future gear ratio in a transmission while the current gear is...
• PresetA pre-configured value or setting stored in an electronic device or system that can be recalled or activated...
• PresplitA controlled blasting technique used to create a smooth, stable rock face or excavation boundary before the...
• PressA machine that applies a compressive force to deform, cut, or join materials. It typically consists of a...
• Press boxThe compartment of a cotton gin in which ginned lint is packed down by a tramper before pressing. The lint is...
• Press proofA sample of a printed piece produced on the actual printing press and paper stock intended for the final run...
• Presser footAn attachment for a sewing machine that holds fabric flat against the feed dogs, which are the toothed...
• PressfeederAn operator responsible for loading paper or other substrates into a printing press. This individual monitors...
• Pressing clothA piece of fabric placed between an iron and the garment being pressed to protect the garment's surface from...
• Pressure wireAny of a set of wires leading from selected points in an electrical system to a central station, where a...
• PrestressThe application of an external force to concrete or other structural members before or during the application...
• PretensionA method of prestressing concrete where high-strength steel tendons are tensioned before the concrete is...
• PretriggerA function in a digital storage oscilloscope or data acquisition system that captures and displays the signal...
• PRIAn Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) telecommunication standard for carrying multiple voice and data...
• PrickTo transplant small seedlings from a crowded seed tray into individual pots or spaced-out trays. This...
• PrimaryThe input winding of a transformer, where the alternating current (AC) voltage is applied, inducing a...
• Primary rate interfaceAn Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) telecommunication standard for carrying multiple voice and data...
• Primary time standardA high-precision frequency standard that determines the correct time and frequency without being calibrated...
• Prime moverA machine that converts fuel or another energy source into mechanical power, such as an engine, turbine or...
• Princess cutA style of garment construction, particularly for dresses and coats, characterized by long, continuous seams...
• PrintclothA lightweight, plain-weave cotton fabric that serves as a base material for printing patterns and designs. It...
• Printed circuit boardA board that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive tracks...
• PrinterA machine for applying text, images, or patterns onto a substrate in an industrial setting, designed for...
• Printer-friendlyDescribing a digital document, report, or user interface formatted for clear and efficient output on a...
• Printer's reamA ream of 516 sheets, equal to 21 and a half quires of 24 sheets, which paper mills once supplied to printers...
• Printing paperAny grade of paper manufactured or converted specifically for the transfer of ink from a printing press or...
• PriorityA designation given to certain passengers, cargo, or services that receive preferential treatment in terms of...
• PrismA geometric solid with two identical and parallel bases, and sides that are parallelograms. In construction...
• Prism trainA series of prisms arranged in sequence to achieve a specific optical function, such as dispersion, beam...
• Prismatic colorsThe distinct colors produced when white light is dispersed by a prism, separating it into its constituent...
• Prismatic coloursThe distinct colors produced when white light is dispersed by a prism, separating it into its constituent...
• Private branch exchangeA private telephone network used within a company or organization, allowing internal calls between users and...
• Private sidingA section of railway track that branches off a main line and serves a private industrial facility, warehouse...
• PRMSThe Petroleum Resources Management System, a global standard for the classification and reporting of...
• PRNDLThe common acronym for the gear selector positions on an automatic transmission: Park, Reverse, Neutral...
• ProbeA slender device used to measure or sample conditions within an aircraft system or component, such as...
• Probe-and-drogueA method of aerial refueling where a tanker aircraft trails a flexible hose with a cone-shaped drogue at its...
• ProcessA series of interconnected steps or operations performed in a specific sequence to transform raw materials...
• Process colorA method of creating a full spectrum of colors by combining four primary ink colors: cyan, magenta, yellow...
• Process tomographyA non-invasive imaging technique used to visualize the internal distribution of materials within industrial...
• Product codeA unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a specific item or model within a manufacturer's inventory or a...
• Production lineA manufacturing process in which items move sequentially through a series of workstations, each performing a...
• Programmable logic arrayA type of programmable logic device (PLD) consisting of a programmable AND gate array and a programmable OR...
• Programmable read-only memoryA type of non-volatile memory where data is written once after manufacturing using a special programming...
• PROMProgrammable Read-Only Memory: A type of non-volatile memory chip that can be programmed once after...
• ProofA preliminary copy of a printed piece, created for review and correction before final production. This allows...
• Proof sheetA sheet printed from type or plate for checking and correcting before the job is run, such as a galley proof...
• Propagation constantA complex number that describes how an electromagnetic wave changes in amplitude and phase as it travels...
• Propagation delayThe time required for a signal to travel from the input of a circuit or transmission line to its output. This...
• Propagation modeA specific pattern of electromagnetic field distribution that can exist and travel within a waveguide or...
• Propagation timeThe delay experienced by a signal as it travels from the input of an electronic circuit or device to its...
• PropagoA layer, meaning a shoot or branch of a plant laid down on the ground so that it takes root, used as a way of...
• Propeller shaftA rotating mechanical component that transmits torque and rotational power from a vehicle's transmission or...
• PropulsorThe mechanical device that generates thrust to move an aircraft through the air, such as a propeller or a...
• ProrationThe process of allocating or distributing a quantity, cost, or capacity proportionally based on a specific...
• ProspectAn area of land that shows potential for containing economically valuable mineral deposits, based on...
• ProtectTo apply a temporary coating, cover, or device to a part or area of an aircraft to prevent damage...
• Protected membrane roofA roofing system where the insulation layer is placed above the waterproofing membrane, protecting the...
• Protection courseA layer of material installed over a waterproofing membrane to shield it from damage during construction or...
• ProtoboardA reusable board for prototyping electronic circuits, either a solderless type with spring-clip sockets in a...
• ProtomyloniteA type of mylonitic rock that has undergone a relatively low degree of ductile deformation, characterized by...
• ProtractTo draw a survey line or angle on a map or plan using a protractor or other drafting tools. This involves...
• ProveTo create a proof, which is a preliminary copy of printed material made for review and approval before the...
• Proximity effectA phenomenon in which the current distribution within a conductor is altered by the presence of nearby...
• PruneTo selectively remove parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots, to improve its health, control its...
• PruntA small, decorative blob or disc of molten glass applied to the surface of a larger glass object, such as a...
• PrunusA decorative motif in industrial ceramics featuring plum blossoms, a common symbol in East Asian art. This...
• PsA unit of power, derived from the German 'Pferdestärke' (horsepower), commonly used in Europe for rating...
• PS/2A 6-pin mini-DIN connector and serial protocol formerly used to connect keyboards and mice to computers...
• PSBA Power Signal Box, which is a centralized control facility for railway signaling and points within a...
• PSDUThe block of data that the media access control sublayer passes to the physical layer for transmission, short...
• PseudochannelA theoretical channel used in hydraulic modeling, created by dividing one actual channel into several parts...
• Pseudo-city codeA code that identifies one travel agency office within a reservation system or global distribution system. It...
• PseudoscopeAn optical instrument that reverses the normal perception of depth, making convex objects appear concave and...
• PseudoscopyThe perceptual phenomenon of reversed depth perception, where objects that are normally convex appear...
• PSGAn integrated circuit or functional block within a larger chip that generates audio waveforms for sound...
• PSMPorsche Stability Management, an electronic system designed to enhance vehicle stability and traction during...
• PSNEXTAn abbreviation for Power Sum Near-End Crosstalk, a measure of the total unwanted signal coupling from...
• PSRA primary surveillance radar, a ground radar that detects aircraft by the echo of its own transmitted pulse...
• PSTNPublic Switched Telephone Network: The global network of interconnected telephone lines, exchanges, and other...
• PSUAn acronym for Power Supply Unit, an electronic device that converts alternating current (AC) from a wall...
• PsychocentricDescribing a traveler or tourist who prefers familiar, safe, and well-developed destinations, avoiding...
• PTAn abbreviation for Penetrant Testing, a nondestructive inspection method for locating surface-breaking...
• PTCA resistor whose electrical resistance increases significantly with a rise in temperature. This positive...
• PTDFA power transfer distribution factor (PTDF) quantifies the change in real power flow on a transmission line...
• PTHA hole drilled through a printed circuit board and plated with copper on its wall, so that it links...
• PTIA thorough examination of a refrigerated container's machinery and systems before it is loaded with cargo...
• PTTAn abbreviation for Push-To-Talk, referring to a button or switch on a microphone or headset that activates...
• Puddle ballA mass of wrought iron produced during the puddling process, where molten pig iron is decarburized in a...
• Puddle barA rough bar of wrought iron formed by hammering and rolling a puddle ball to expel slag and consolidate the...
• PuddlingA historical process for converting pig iron into wrought iron by decarburization in a reverberatory furnace...
• PugTo mix clay or other plastic materials thoroughly, often with water, to achieve a uniform consistency...
• Pug millA machine that mixes materials into a homogeneous plastic consistency, particularly for clay in ceramics or...
• PullTo exert a force that draws something towards or away from a point, or to remove an object by force. In...
• Pull outTo recover an aircraft from a dive or steep descent by increasing the angle of attack and applying upward...
• PullabilityThe ease with which a cable or wire can be drawn through a conduit, duct, or raceway without damage or...
• Pull-down resistorA resistor connected between a digital logic gate's input pin and the ground or negative voltage rail. This...
• Pulley-ploughA type of steam-powered ploughing engine system used from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, employing...

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