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Technical definitions
1 - Definitions can usually be given in two ways:
Type 1: you express the class to which the term to be defined belongs and then
you state the specific features and the main differences between the term and
the other members of the class.
Type 2: you can use such words as: (can) be defined as, be called, be termed, be
known as, be referred to as, be used to, have/display/exhibit the capacity to /
the property of.
Example: A motor - Class : a machine - Specific feature : it transforms
electrical power into mechanical energy
Type 1:
A motor is a machine which transforms electrical power into mechanical energy.
Type 2: * A motor can be defined as a machine which transforms / to transform
electrical power into mechanical energy.
* A motor is used to transform electrical power into mechanical energy.
*A machine used to transform electrical power into mechabican energy is called /
is known as a motor.
2 - Pick out the sentences giving definitions and, when possible, underline the
words / phrases used to give the definitions.
A building or a room used for scientific experiments is usually known as a
laboratory.
A material which can easily be drawn into wires exhibits the property of
ductility.
Ultra short waves do not travel beyond the optical horizon so that it is
necessary to install the transmitting antennas on high buildings.
Toughness can be defined as the ability to withstand repeated bendings.
The materials used in electricity can be divided into 3 categories: conducting,
magnetic and insulating.
A resistor is a device (used) to add resistance to a circuit.
Celluloid, plastic and asbestos are examples of insulators.
3 - Give definitions.
Hardness : resistance to scratching or indentation. ( use definition type 2)
Plasticity: the material does not return to its original shape when submitted to
deformation. (use definition type 2)
Voltmeter: measures voltage across two parts of a circuits. (use definition type
1)
Petrol: refined petroleum; used as fuel in internal combustion engines. (use
definition type 1)
Condenser: a device that cools vapour and condenses it back into a liquid. (use
definition type 2)
Oxygen : a chemical element; a gas present in the air and necessary to life.
(use definition type 2)
Scalar quantity : a physical quantity; it has magnitude but not direction (use
definition type 1)
Vector quantity : a physical quantity; it hasboth magnitude and direction (use
definition type 2)
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