My engineering glossary is meant to help understand themes related to the wide engineering world.
Acceleration
Noun
The rate at which the velocity of a body changes with time, and the direction in which that change is acting.
Example: The acceleration of this car is better than this truck.
fr: Accélération
Battery
Noun
A container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power.
Example: We are developing an eco friendly battery.
fr: Batterie
Calculus
Noun
The branch of mathematics that deals with the finding and properties of derivatives and integrals of functions, by methods originally based on the summation of infinitesimal differences. The two main types are differential calculus and integral calculus.
Example: We use calculus to develop new technologies.
fr: Calculs
Centripetal force
Noun
A force that acts on a body moving in a circular path and is directed toward the center around which the body is moving.
Example: Planets orbiting around the sun uses centripetal force.
fr: Force centripète
Corrosion
Noun
The process of corroding metal, stone, or other materials.
Example: Engineers found some corrosion when checking the bridge.
fr: Corrosion
Coulomb
Noun
The SI unit of electric charge, equal to the quantity of electricity conveyed in one second by a current of one ampere.
Example: Coulombs are used to calculate static electricity.
fr: Coulomb
Electric field
Noun
A region around a charged particle or object within which a force would be exerted on other charged particles or objects.
Example: Lightning is caused by the very strong static electric field between a cloud and the earth.
fr: Champ électrique
Electromagnet
Noun
A soft metal core made into a magnet by the passage of electric current through a coil surrounding it.
Example: This new technology uses electromagnets to save energy,
fr: Électroaimant
Engine
Noun
A machine with moving parts that converts power into motion.
Example: This new car engine consumes less gasoline than it’s predecessor.
fr: Moteur
Friction
Noun
The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
Example: The friction between these two materials is causing damage to the engine.
fr: Friction
Gravity
Noun
The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.
Example: Engineers must take into account the gravity of the planet they plan on sending a satellite to.
fr: Gravité
Hydrocarbon
Noun
A compound of hydrogen and carbon, such as any of those which are the chief components of petroleum and natural gas.
Example: This new type of plastic uses the hydrocarbon found in petroleum.
fr: Hydrocarbone
Inductor
Noun
A component in an electric or electronic circuit which possesses inductance.
Example: The inductor used in this engine is very energy efficient.
fr: Inducteur
Magnetism
Noun
A physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.
Example: The magnetism of this material is what makes it so useful in our research lab.
fr: Magnétisme
Mechanical
Adjective
The branch of engineering dealing with the design, construction, and use of machines.
Example: I study mechanical engineering.
fr: Génie mécanique
Physics
Noun
The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
Example: Engineering students must follow multiple Physics classes to become engineers.
fr: Physique
Resistor
Noun
A device having a designed resistance to the passage of an electric current.
Example: This device uses an advanced resistor to function.
fr: Résisteur
Robotics
Noun
The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
Example: Robotics are used in this factory.
fr: Robotique
Solubility
Noun
The ability to be dissolved, especially in water.
Example: The solubility of this new chemical is important in the development of this specific technology.
fr: Solubilité
Turbine
Noun
A machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid.
Example: This new plane uses a pair of very advanced turbines in it’s engines.