Glossary
The following words are defined as they are used in the text.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a priori—at the beginning; given.
abdomen—the part of the body containing the stomach and intestines.
abolition—the banning of something.
abrasives—substances used for grinding, polishing, sanding, etc., such as sandpaper.
abundant—plentiful; available in large quantities.
accessible—easily reached or obtained.
accommodate—to adjust.
accumulated—gathered or saved (up).
acetate plastic—a clear plastic sheet that can easily be marked with a pen or other writing instrument.
acidity—the degree to which a substance has the properties of an acid.
acupuncture—the ancient Chinese practice of piercing parts of the body with needles to treat disease or relieve pain.
acute—severe, serious.
adept—skillful.
adhesive (solder, glue)—a substance used to permanently join two objects.
adobe—unburnt sundried brick.
adverse—unfavorable.
adze—a metal cutting tool like an axe, but with a blade at right angles at the handle..
aeration the process of mixing with air or oxygen.
aerial ropeway system—a transport system using a permanent set of ropes or cables to carry goods over rough terrain.
aerobic composting—process of decomposition while oxygen is present.
aerodynamics—the study of the motion of air and the forces acting on bodies in motion (such as windmill blades).
aesthetic—related to taste or beauty.
afforestation—the process of planting trees in an area that does not have them.
agile—quick; able to move quickly.
agitator-type washing machine—a machine in which the dirt is loosened from clothing through the up-and-down motion of one or more pistons or other parts, which serve to move the water.
agribusiness—a term describing highly centralized agriculture operations in developed countries, where agriculture is a business rather than a way of life.
agronomist—a person who is trained in the science and economics of crop production and the management of farm land.
ailment—illness; health problem.
airfoil—the shape of an airplane wing or a wind generator blade; designed for high-speed movement through air.
algae—small water plants, valuable as a protein source and animal feed or raw material for a methane digester.
algae bloom—the uncontrolled growth of algae in a pond.
alien—foreign.
alienating—causing loss of sense of purpose.
alkaline—having a high level of soluble salts; this can make agriculture difficult.
alkali-puddled clay—a building material; clay is mixed with water and lime to create an easily-shaped material that is durable..
alleviate—to make less hard to bear; to lighten or relieve.
allied—joined together for a common purpose.
all-inclusive—complete; covering all parts or aspects.
allocation—the amount of something set aside for a particular purpose.
alloy—a metal made of a mixture of two or more common metals.
alternator—a machine for changing mechanical energy into electrical energy; a kind of generator that initially produces alternating current.
all-terrain vehicle—a heavy-duty vehicle especially designed to operate in rough and wet terrain (including hills, swamps, and creeks).
aluminized Mylar—a very strong thin sheet of plastic material coated with aluminum.
amateur—a person who is not a professional.
ambient—surrounding, on all sides.
ambitious—demanding great effort, skill or enterprise.
ambivalent—undecided.
amenities--coAvailable in the AT Library. INDEX CODE MForts.
amenities in the workshop—special tools in the workshop.
ammeter—an instrument which measures the strength of an electric current in the form of amperes (amps).
amortize—to gradually pay off a debt.
ample—plenty.
anaerobic fermentation—fermentation in the absence of air or oxygen.
analysis— breaking a problem or question down into parts.
ancestral—of anything regarded as prior to a later thing.
anecdote—a short account of some happening..
anemia—a condition in which there is a reduction in the number of red blood cells or of the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood stream, resulting in weakness.
anemometer— a simple device that is used to measure wind speed.
angle iron—pieces of iron or steel with a cross-sectional shape like the letter "L".
animal husbandry—a branch of agriculture concerned with the raising of animals.
animal power gear—a gear that converts the power of a horse or other animal walking in a circle into the high-speed motion of a drive shaft, used to operate equipment (such as a thresher).
anodize—to coat with a protective film using electric current.
antecedent—any happening or thing prior to another.
anvil—a heavy steel block on which metal is pounded for shaping (blacksmith's tool).
aperture—the opening in a camera or telescope through which light passes into the lens.
apiary—a place where bees are kept.
apparatus— equipment.
appliance—a small device for performing a specific task; in the U.S., especially household devices that use electricity.
aquaculture—the raising of fish and other marine organisms.
aquarium—a glass-walled container for fish and other animals and plants, which allows careful observation of their behavior.
aquatic—having to do with water (ponds, streams, oceans).
arable land—land which can be farmed.
arbitrary (arbitrarily)— without reason.
arc welder—a kind of welding machine that uses an electric current passing across a gap to produce the necessary heat.
Archimedes' screw—a waterlifting device that has a screw-shaped rotating blade and axle inside a cylinder..
arid—dry.
armature—the iron core with wire wound around it, in a generator, alternator, or electric motor.
array—a regular arrangement or series.
artisan—craftsperson, artist.
aspirations—hopes, desires for the future.
aspirator—a device for moving air or fluids by suction.
assimilation—the process of becoming part of something.
astute— accurate; showing a clever mind.
attached greenhouse—a solar greenhouse attached to a house, where it helps in heating by acting as a solar collector.
attributable to—due to, caused by.
auger—a tool for boring holes.
authoritarian—characterized by unquestioning obedience to authority, as that of a dictator, rather than individual freedom of action.
auxiliary—extra, reserve.
auxiliary generating equipment— additional electric generating equipment; for example, a unit that can be used during periods when there is no wind to operate a wind generator.
axial-flow turbine—a turbine in which water flows parallel to the axis.
backlash—a strong political reaction resulting from fear or resentment of a movement..
backslide—to slide backwards, failing to fully implement a political promise.
backward—from earlier times, not modern.
bacteriological—related to the study of tiny life forms present in all organic matter.
bagasse—the part of sugar cane that is left after the cane has been crushed and the juice has been removed.
baled hay—hay that has been compressed into bundles and tied.
ballyhoo—noise and hollering.
band saw—a saw that has a long narrow continuous band for a blade; the band travels in one direction only, rotating around several wheels.
banish—to send away permanently.
barefoot doctors—local health workers doing preventive medicine and basic health care without lengthy medical training or expensive equipment; originated as a description of local health workers in China.
barometer—an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure; anything that indicates change.
barrel staves—narrow, curved strips of wood which form the sides of a wooden barrel.
baseboard heating—a space heating system which radiates heat from panels on the wall near the floor.
batch process (methane digester)—a system in which the digester is loaded only at the beginning of a digestion cycle; gas production varies considerably during the digestion period.
BB shells—pieces of metal which serve as a case for steel balls in ball bearings.
beaker—a glass container used in scientific experiments.
bearing—any part of a machine on which another part revolves.
becak—pedicab; three-wheeled taxi (Indonesia).
bellows—a blacksmith's device for forcing air into a fire to increase the rate of fuel consumption and thus the temperature..
belt sander—a machine with a long abrasive belt that travels around two or more rotating cylinders, the belt is used for sanding and smoothing rough pieces of wood.
bemo—small transport vehicle in Indonesia.
benign—not dangerous; not causing damage or hurt.
bevel gear—a gear wheel meshed with another so that their shafts are at an angle of less than 180 degrees.
biased—unfairly affected or directed; not fair, prejudiced.
bicycle caliper brake—a bicycle hand-operated brake that has two arms that can be forced to rub on the rim of the wheel to slow the bicycle.
bicycle hub—the center of the wheel which revolves around the axle.
bicycle sprocket—a gear.
bikeway—path or lane reserved for bicycle use only.
bilharzia—see schistosomiasis.
bi-metal strip—a device made of two strips of different metals that expand at different rates when heated; the strip bends or curls when heated.
biodegradable—capable of being decomposed by bacterial action.
biogas—see methane gas.
biogas plant—see methane digester.
biological control—control of insects and other pests using natural means (predators competitors, bacteria); non-chemical methods.
biomass—the total amount of living organisms in a particular area or volume.
biomass energy—energy from biological sources.
biotic—of life, or caused by living organisms.
bit—the cutting edge of a tool.
bloat—to swell.
block and tackle—a set of pulleys and ropes for hauling and lifting..
blueprint—a large set of detailed plans.
board feet—a unit of measure of lumber equal to a board one foot in length on two sides and one inch thick.
bona fide— real; made in good faith.
borehole— hole drilled in the earth to make a well.
borne out—proved to be true or accurate.
botany—a branch of biology that deals with plants.
bow saw—a saw operated by a foot treadle with an overhead bow which acts as a spring mechanism; together they pull the saw blade up and down.
brace—a support; also a tool into which a drill bit or auger is inserted for drilling.
brackish— water with a heavy salt content, such as in inland seas.
brazing—to bond two pieces of metal using a metal rod with a lower melting temperature than either of the pieces to be connected; usually uses copper wire, and can be done with a small propane torch.
breastshot (breast) water wheel—a water wheel driven by water entering near the midpoint of the wheel.
bridle—a head harness for guiding a horse.
brittle—easily broken.
broadcast sower—a device which spreads seeds over a small area by throwing them
through the air.
brunt— the major portion of negative consequences.
BTU—British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat energy; specifically, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
buffer—a machine for polishing metal.
bulk— greatest part.
bungalow—a small house with a porch..
bunsen burner— a simple gas burner.
burlap—coarse material used to make sacks and bags, usually made out of jute; also called "gunny sacks."
bushing—a round lining for an opening, used to limit the size of the opening, resist wear, or serve as a guide.
butyl rubber basin liner—a kind of plastic sheet used to prevent liquid from leaking through a basin.
byproduct—other or additional product.
cable plow—a plowing system in which a lightweight plow is pulled across a field by cable instead of by a tractor or draft animal.
cadre—a local-level leader and motivator.
calcium chloride—CaCl2.
calculus—calculation; estimation.
calibrated—carefully and correctly adjusted.
cam—a bump on a turning shaft which lifts or pushes.
campesinos—rural people (Spanish).
canning—the preservation of foods in tightly sealed cans or jars.
capital—money; or equipment that represents an investment in money.
capital formation—gathering resources and buying or making tools, equipment or buildings to be used in production.
capital-intensive—techniques that have a high equipment-to-labor ratio to accomplish a particular task; an automobile is a much more capital-intensive form of transportation than is a bicycle..
carbonized plant material—dry plant matter high in carbon content that will make a building material; straw, thatch, palm leaves.
carbon/nitrogen ratio—the proportion of carbon to nitrogen in the material being placed in a methane digester; there is a proper ratio that allows maximum gas production and a proper chemical reaction.
carburetor—that part of an engine in which air and fuel are mixed.
carding machine—a machine used to prepare cotton or wool for spinning.
cardiovascular—of the heart and the blood vessels.
carnivorous—meat-eating.
carrying capacity—amount of life or activity that the ecosystem can support.
caseharden—to harden the outer layer of a piece of metal.
cash crop—a crop that is produced for sale rather than for consumption by the farm family.
casting (verb)—the process of making products from a mold, usually using hot molten (liquid) metal.
casting (noun)—a product made from a mold; the result of the above process.
catalyst—something which acts to help a process take place.
catalyze—to act as a stimulus in causing something.
caulking (caulking compound)—a filling material used to make a boat or other object "watertight" so that water cannot enter or escape.
cellulose—the bulky or fibrous part of plants, consisting of natural sugars.
centralize—to concentrate the power or authority of a central organization; to gather together; to focus on a center.
centrifuge—a spinning machine used to separate particles of different density.
certified—having a license issued by an authority, proving the ability to do something.
chaff—the seed coverings and other material separated from the grain during threshing..
chaff cutter—a tool which is used to chop dry vegetative materials such as straw into small pieces.
chain pump—a pump with an endless chain passing over a wheel at the top and entering a pipe below the water; it is fitted with discs which lift the water through the pipe.
chainsaw—a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form an endless chain.
channel iron—pieces of iron or steel which have the cross-sectional shape of a channel.
charitable—kind and generous in giving money or help to those in need.
chassis—the part of a motor vehicle that includes the frame, suspension system, wheels, steering mechanism and so forth, but not the body or engine.
chemical coagulation—bringing together suspended particles in water by adding a chemical.
chisel—a tool for cutting grooves or shavings from wood or metal.
chlorination—purifying water by adding tiny amounts of the chemical chlorine to it.
chromatography—the process of separating the elements in a mixture by having a solution flow through a column of absorbent material on which the different substances are separated into distinct bands.
chronic—happening again and again.
churn—a container in which milk or cream is beaten to form butter.
circuit board—an electrical system laid out on a board for use in teaching.
circuitry—the elements of an electrical system.
circular sump—a circular pit lined with bricks, cement, or other material to hold wet material without losing the moisture.
cited— noted, identified.
clarify—make clear..
clear-cutting—cutting down all of the trees and plants.
climatology— the study of weather patterns.
clods— large dried pieces of soil that must be broken up before planting.
clogged— blocked or stopped flow.
closed loop—in a solar energy system, using water or another liquid to move heat from a collector to a storage area, and then returning the same liquid to the collector.
coalition—a group of organizations that agree to cooperate.
coefficients of transmission of heat— generally accepted statistics about the rate at which heat will move through different materials.
coercive—based on the use of force.
cogs—the teeth on the rim of a wheel, for transmitting or receiving motion by fitting between the teeth of another wheel.
coherent—fitting together well; making sense.
collaboration— working together.
collaborative— from working together.
collateral— something of value owned by a borrower, such as a house or land, used as a guarantee to a lender that a debt will be paid; if the debt is not paid, the lender takes the collateral as payment.
colleague—a fellow worker in the same profession.
color patina— surface color of metal, caused by the hardening process in blacksmithing, or long exposure to air.
combat—fight.
combustion—the process of burning.
commencing—beginning.
commend—to praise; to favorably point to.
commutator—in a generator or electric motor, a revolving part that collects the electric current from, or distributes it to, the brushes..
compacted—compressed and packed firmly together.
companion planting—a strategy used in intensive gardening in which different plants are raised next to each other to take advantage of nitrogen-fixation, insect-repelling properties, shade, etc.
compatible—going together well; fitting together well.
compelling—convincing, persuasive.
compensated—paid.
compendium—collection, compilation, summary.
composting—a method for breaking down organic solids (such as leaves, straw and manure) into easily used fertilizer.
compost toilet—a waste disposal system in which wastes break down to become fertilizer.
compounding—adding to.
comprehensive—including all aspects.
compression—being pushed or squeezed together.
compulsory— required.
computing—figuring out using numbers.
concave—curved inward, like a bowl.
concerted—concentrated, deliberate, vigorous.
concientizacion—a group discussion process aimed at creating an expanded awareness of the factors that keep people poor, and stimulating action for change.
condensation—the process whereby water vapor or another gas changes into a liquid as its temperature drops.
condenser—a device for converting a gas into a liquid.
conduit tube—lightweight metal tube usually used for protecting electrical wires.
configuration—arrangement of parts..
congealed—become solid or firm.
conical—shaped like a cone.
connecting rod—a rod connecting by back and forth motion two or more moving parts of a machine; for example, the connecting rod between the crankshaft and piston in an automobile engine.
conscientious—very careful and consistent.
consensus—decision-making by a group in which all members participate and are satisfied with the outcome.
constraints—limits; problems.
construed—understood, interpreted.
contacts (electricity)—metal points which when touching allow electricity to flow through a circuit.
containment—where animals are held inside.
contamination—dirtying or poisoning.
continuous process (methane digester)—a system in which the digester has a small amount of material added each day; gas production remains fairly constant.
continuity—the act of proceeding smoothly over time; ongoing.
contour—an imaginary line around the side of a hill that maintains the same elevation.
convergence—combining; coming or flowing together.
converter—a device employing mechanical rotation for changing electrical energy from one form to another.
convey—communicate.
conveying—communicating, showing.
cooper—someone who makes or repairs wooden barrels.
cope—to deal with problems effectively..
coppicing—the controlled production of small trees repeatedly from the same stumps (root systems).
copra—coconut meat dried for storage and transport; used to produce coconut oil.
corn (maize) sheller—a tool used to remove the kernels (seeds) from pieces of corn.
corollary—a proposition related to one that has been proven correct.
corrode—to eat into or wear away gradually, as by rusting or the action of chemicals.
corrosive—causing the wearing away of metal or other material by rusting or the action of chemicals.
corrugated—having parallel grooves and ridges.
corrupt—dishonest in handling money; using influence unfairly.
counter-sink—a tool used to drive a nail or screw below the surface of a piece of wood.
counterweight—a weight equal to another, used to balance it.
crankshaft—a shaft used to transfer rotational motion into up-and-down motion; or the reverse.
crannies— small cracks.
creativity—the ability to use the imagination and invent.
creosote—unburned gas from a wood fire that has condensed to form a sticky, dark substance.
crop diversification—the practice of growing a variety of plant crops within a particular area; opposite of "monoculture."
crop duster—a device for spreading pesticides or herbicides in the form of dust or spray.
crop-lien system—a system in which a future crop is sold at a low price to store owners or other middlepeople, in order to acquire credit for essential purchases by a farm family.
crop rotation—a system of growing successive crops that have different nutrient requirements, thereby preventing soil depletion, and breaking disease cycles..
cross fertilization—stimulation and improvement through exchange (of ideas).
cross-flow turbine—a wheel with curved vanes driven by the pressure of water flowing through it, and in which the water acts on the vanes twice, once while entering and once while leaving the turbine.
crucible—a container used to hold metal while it is being melted.
cube (math)—the product of multiplying a number by itself three times. The cube of the number 2 is 8 (2x2x2=8).
culmination—the highest point, the climax.
cultivator—an implement to loosen the soil and remove weeds while crops are growing.
cultivating—the process of loosening the soil and removing weeds while crops are growing.
culture plates—glass microscope slide plates used to observe blood samples and other very tiny materials.
culvert—a drain that passes under a road, railroad, footpath, etc.
curing (cement)—physical processing with water to help the cement reach its maximum strength.
curing (fish)—to preserve by chemical or physical processing.
curing (hides or skins)—to preserve by chemical or physical processing for future use.
current regulator—an electrical device which controls the level of current (amperes) passing through an electrical circuit.
curricula—plural of curriculum.
curriculum—the set of concepts being taught in a class.
currier—a worker who treats leather.
cutical (insect)—skin or covering of an insect.
cutlery—knives; tools used for eating..
cutout—a switch which cuts the electric circuit to a windgenerator under two conditions: 1) windspeed too low to charge the batteries, and 2) windspeed so high that electrical output threatens to damage the system.
cycle rickshaw—pedicab, three-wheeled taxi.
cyclist—a person riding a bicycle.
cynical—antisocial; believing that all people's actions are based on selfishness, and thus basing one's own actions on selfishness as well.
cyst—a growth in the skin.
damper—a piece of metal used to control the flow of air and hot gases in a stove.
Darrieus rotor—a vertical-axis windmachine that has long thin blades in the shape of loops, connected at the top and bottom of the axle; often called the "eggbeater" windmill because of its appearance.
data bank—a place where information is collected and stored for later use.
data processing—a method for evaluating and using information, usually by means of a computer.
dawn on—become clear to.
debilitating—making weak.
debit—amount to be subtracted.
debris—rough, broken bits of material left after a war or other disaster.
debt servicing—interest paid on a loan.
decentralization—a shift in the patterns of decision-making and production so that these activities go on in many more places than before.
decentralize—to break up a concentration of governmental decision-making, industry or population, and distribute it more evenly..
decomposition (bacterial)—the chemical breakdown of organic matter by micro-organisms.
decorative—of interest due to its appearance only.
decoy—a plant which attracts insects away from other, more valuable plants.
deduced—realized; understood.
deep litter bedding—straw, leaves, or wood shavings used in a deep layer to cover the bottom of a chicken coop.
defecation—the act of passing human waste out of the body.
deficit—the amount by which a sum of money is less than the required amount.
deflector—a device that can be used to change the direction of a flow of water in a turbine to reduce the power produced.
deforestation—the destruction of forests.
degradation—making worse; becoming less usable.
dehydrate—to remove water from fruits and vegetables for preservation (drying).
dehydration—the draining of fluids from the body through diarrhea or perspiration dangerous if the fluids are not replaced.
demoralizing— discouraging.
demystify—to remove the mystery from; to make something understandable.
depletion—using up.
deplore—to regard as unfortunate.
derive—obtain, get.
desertification—the creation of deserts.
destitute—very poor.
detention time—the time period that incoming material is retained in a methane digester for processing..
deterioration—the process of becoming worse.
determinant—cause.
detract—undermine, reduce, subtract.
devastated—having suffered great destruction.
diagnosis—the process of deciding the nature of a diseased condition by examination of the symptoms.
dialects—different forms of a language; local languages.
dialogue—conversation; talking between two people or groups.
diaphragm pump—a pump which moves water through the alternating expansion and contraction of a chamber.
diarrhea—excessive looseness and frequency of bowel movements.
diatribe—a bitter, abusive criticism.
die—a metalworking cutting tool, e.g. for cutting screw-threads in a steel rod.
diesel set—an electric generator driven by a diesel engine.
dietary—related to what a person eats.
differential—an arrangement of gears connecting two axles in the same line and dividing the driving force between them, but allowing one axle to turn faster than the other when necessary; it is used in the rear axles of automobiles to permit a difference in the speeds of the two wheels while turning corners; also has the characteristic that the shaft comes in at a 90-degree angle to the axle, and does not turn at the same rpm.
differentiate—show difference among or between; separate.
diffraction—the breaking up of a ray of light into the colors of the spectrum.
diffusionist—an approach to technological change in which new techniques chosen by central agencies are spread, concentrating on community leaders.
digestion—the process by which organic materials are decomposed by the action of bacteria, producing gas and fertilizer.
digression—a wandering from the main subject..
dilemma—problem for which a solution is not evident.
diligence— hard working, responsibility.
direct gain—solar energy that enters a building without the use of collectors.
discharge—release.
discredit—to show reasons for disbelief.
disinfectant—a substance which cleans and kills disease-causing organisms.
dismantle—take apart.
dispel—remove, clear away.
dispersed—spread out.
disposable income—that portion of an income which can be spent.
dissecting tool—a tool used in separating the parts of an animal or plant.
dissemination—spread.
dissolution—breaking apart; breakdown.
distill—carefully select the essential elements of; evaporate and condense.
distilled water—water that has been evaporated and condensed so that all chemicals and salts have been removed; pure H20.
diversified—having many different activities or components.
divert—to move water or resources away from their normal channels.
dogmatic—closely following the rules, unwilling to listen to other ideas.
donor—a group that provides funds.
dosage—the exact amount of a medicine to be given at one time.
double-acting pump—a pump designed so that water is lifted during both the up and down strokes of a piston or diaphragm..
double-digging—a technique used in intensive gardening in which the topsoil is removed, the subsoil is loosened, and the topsoil is then replaced.
dowel—a round length of wood used to join two other pieces of wood.
drag (aerodynamics)—the slowing force acting on a blade or wing moving through air.
drainage—the removal of surface water.
draught—British spelling of draft.
draught chain—a heavy chain used to pull objects, such as harrows.
draw-knife—a two-handled knife used in making precise cuts in wood.
drill press—a machine for drilling holes in metal or wood.
drive shaft—a shaft that transmits motion or power, as from the transmission to the rear axle of an automobile.
dropper—a glass or plastic tube used to pick up and transfer drops of liquid.
drought—an abnormally long period of time with lower than normal annual rainfall.
drudgery—hard, boring work.
dry cell battery—a battery that uses dry chemical activity for storage of electricity; cannot be recharged.
dry steam—high-temperature steam which contains little moisture.
dubious— doubtful; uncertain.
dung—animal waste, manure, shit, excreta.
duplicate—to copy; to do again.
dynamic—moving, changing.
dynamo—see generator.
dynapod— a basic pedal-power unit that can be attached to small machines.
dwindles—gets smaller quickly..
earth auger—a device for drilling narrow diameter holes for wells.
earthen—made of earth.
ecologically-sound—any approach which fully considers and does not affect the natural balance of the environment and ecosystem.
economies of scale—savings that come with increasing size of a business or activity.
ecosystem—a system made up of a community of people, animals, plants and bacteria, and the physical and chemical environment with which it is connected.
edible—that which can be eaten.
effluent—material or waste flowing out.
eke out—scrape together.
electrical conduit pipe—lightweight metal tubing used to protect electrical wires.
electric grid—system of electric lines which distribute and regulate electricity in a community.
electrolysis—the process of changing an electrolyte by passing an electric current through it.
electrolyte—a liquid or solution which conducts electricity and deposits a metal coating; used in electroplating.
electromagnet—a core of material that becomes a magnet when electricity is passed through a coil of wire around it.
electromagnetic device—a core of magnetic material surrounded by a coil or wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core; used in switches..
electronic governor—a device which switches part of the electric current produced by a turbine away from the main line (for example, to heat water) when the electric demand falls; this allows the turbine to be run at a constant speed, avoiding the need for an expensive governor to regulate the amount of water flowing through the turbine as electric demand changes.
electroplate—to coat with metal using electricity passed through a solution.
elicit—to draw out (a response).
emery stone—a stone for grinding the edges of tools to sharpen them.
empirical—based on practical experience and observation rather than theory.
emulsified asphalt—asphalt in liquid form, containing some kind of solvent which breaks it into tiny drops.
endeavors—efforts, projects.
endorse—recommend.
energy-gobbling American homes— homes built in North America that consume enormous amounts of energy in the form of gas and electricity.
enhance—improve, make better.
enteric pathogens—organisms causing disease in the intestine.
entrepreneur—someone who sees an opportunity to start a new enterprise or activity; businessperson.
entrepreneurial—related to undertaking the risks and management of a new enterprise or activity.
environment—the physical and biological surroundings.
environmentally-sound—see ecologically-sound.
envisage— imagine.
epidemic—a disease that is spreading rapidly among many individuals in a community at the same time.
epoxy—liquid material which hardens in the air; used in glues.
equate—to consider the same.
equitable—fair, equal for all.
erosion—the wearing away of land, soil, and other earth formations by wind, water, or ice.
escalating— rising, increasing.
escapement mechanism (clock)—the special gearing inside a clock that allows a sprocket to turn one notch at a time.
ethanol—alcohol made from grain or other vegetable.
euphemistically called—given a nice name.
evaporation—the process whereby water changes from a liquid to a vapor and disappears into the air.
exacerbate—make worse.
excerpt—a piece taken from a longer article or book.
exclusion—the leaving out of something.
excreta—human or animal waste matter; shit.
existential—involving awareness of being a free individual.
exotic—highly unusual; not part of daily life.
expediting—to speed up.
explicit—directly, obviously.
exponential—rapidly increasing.
extraction—the process of taking something out.
extractive—something that is drawn out or removed.
extrapolation—a conclusion reached by estimating beyond a known range.
extruded—to be forced out.
eyebolt—a bolt which has one circular end through which a piece of wire or rope can be passed..
fabricate—make, construct.
facilitate—enable, help to happen.
fad—a temporarily popular activity.
fall prey—become a victim; be taken advantage of.
fallible—possibly wrong; capable of making mistakes.
fallow land—land not planted in a crop for a growing season, to allow improvement in soil fertility.
farrier—a blacksmith who makes horseshoes (metal bands) and attaches them to horses' hooves.
feasible— possible, practical.
feathering mechanism—a mechanism on a windmill which in strong winds turns the blades increasingly out of the wind; this slows the windmill and protects it from damage.
fecal coliform bacteria—microscopic (tiny) organisms in human waste which can cause sickness.
fecal matter—solid human waste; shit.
feed grinder—a tool used to grind food into very small pieces so that fish or other animals can eat it.
fencerow—a row of bushes forming a fence.
fermentation—the breakdown of complex molecules in an organic material, caused by a bacteria; action of yeast making vinegar or alcohol.
ferrocement—cement-sand concrete reinforced by wire mesh.
fiber—any substance that can be separated into threads for spinning, weaving..
fiberglass—glass in the form of small fibers (similar to hairs), used in making insulation and harder structures such as boats.
fibrous insulation (local)—insulation made of local plant or animal materials such as coconut husks or animal hair.
field (electricity)—magnetic forces created by an electric current; important in the operation of a generator or alternator.
field wash—soil erosion caused by the flow of water.
firebreak—a strip of land on which trees and other plants have been removed, to prevent the spread of forest fires.
firebrick—special brick that will not break at high temperatures.
flagstone—a hard stone that splits into flat pieces.
flametrap device—a unit to prevent the flame from backing up along a gas pipeline towards the source.
flange—a rim for attachment to another part, usually on a pipe or a wheel.
flannel board—a board on which scenes and processes can be illustrated for an audience; the flannel holds the movable pieces in place.
flap valve pump—a simple lowlift hand pump with a valve on top but no piston; same as inertia pump.
flat plate collector—a glass- or plastic-covered metal panel which traps the solar energy that falls on it; this heat is then transferred by a water or air system for hot water heating or home heating.
flaws—mistakes.
flow—the amount of water that moves past a point in a given amount of time; often measured in liters per second.
flow regulator—a device that controls the amount of water flowing through a turbine, to match the power needed at any moment.
fluctuations—variations.
flue—a pipe through which smoke or hot air passes..
flue duct—an opening to a flue which can be regulated to affect the amount of air passing through; this has an effect of regulating the rate of fuel consumption and the temperature in a fireplace or kiln.
fluorescent tube— an electric light bulb that uses a tube of fluoride gas instead of a wire filament; usually 2.5 times as efficient as a standard electric light bulb—this means that a 40-watt fluorescent tube provides as much light as a 100-watt electric bulb.
flywheel—a heavy, rotating wheel used to moderate any variations in the speed of the machinery with which it revolves.
foam composite—an industrialized lightweight material.
focal point—the central point at which activities are directed and effects are felt.
fodder—plant food for animals, such as leaves and straw.
foliage—plant growth.
forage—food for domestic animals; to search for this food.
forage crops—crops valuable as animal feed.
foreign exchange—money in the form of foreign currency that can be used to buy things from outside the country.
forerunner—one which came before.
forge—a blacksmith's furnace for heating iron or steel hot enough so that it can be shaped by pounding.
format—general arrangement.
formica—rigid plastic product.
formulation—a theory or plan.
forum—a place where discussion and exchange of ideas can take place.
fossil fuel—coal, oil, natural gas.
foundation (building)—the base on which a structure rests; usually made of concrete, stone, or blocks, and positioned partially underground.
foundry (iron)—a workshop where iron is melted and poured into molds to make tools.
foundryman (foundryperson)—a person who operates a foundry.
foyer—entryway, entry room.
fragile—delicate, easily broken.
fragments—breaks apart; small pieces.
freewheel (bicycle)—an arrangement in the rear hub which allows the rear gear to
either drive the wheel or rotate freely when not being pedaled.
fringe areas—margin; edges.
frugal—economical; not wasteful.
fry—young fish.
fungicide—a substance used to kill fungus.
funnel—a device with a large opening on one end and a smaller opening on the other; used to pour liquid into a bottle, for example.
furrow—a shallow channel made in a field by a plow.
fuse—a wire or strip of easily melted metal placed in an electrical circuit; if the current becomes too strong, the metal melts, cutting the circuit before the entire wiring system is destroyed.
gabled roof—a roof with two sloping surfaces that meet at a line along the top in an inverted "V" shape.
galvanized—coated with zinc for protection from rust and corrosion.
galvanometer—an instrument for detecting and measuring a small electric current.
gas compression—the process of pressurizing gas so that it can be burned effectively..
gasogen—a stove-like device carried by a vehicle, producing gas through the partial burning of charcoal or wood.
gauze—a very thin, loosely-woven piece of cotton or silk.
gear down—to arrange gears or pulleys so that the original speed of rotation of a pedal-power unit, windmill, or water wheel is decreased; for example, to operate a winch.
gear up—to arrange gears or pulleys so that the original speed of rotation of a pedal-power unit, windmill, or water wheel is increased; for example this would be necessary to generate electricity.
generator—a machine for changing mechanical energy (such as the rotation of a windmill rotor) into electrical energy; has a stationary field and rotating armature, and produces direct current electricity.
genetics— the branch of biology that deals with heredity and variation in similar or related plants | 
