Engineering Glossary
15 This glossary contains field-specific words for the broad profession of engineering terms
This glossary is intended for people who want to explore various engineering topics but who aren't experts in the field. It will familiarize the average person with specific field terms for engineering so that when coming across a study composed by engineers, the reading and comprehension will be facilitated.
- Acceleration
- Noun
- The rate of change of velocity over time.
- Example: The car’s acceleration increases when more force is applied.
- fr: Accélération
- Efficiency
- Noun
- The ratio of useful output to total input in a system.
- Example: Improving efficiency reduces energy waste.
- fr: Rendement
- Energy
- Noun
- Energy
- Example: Mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy in generators.
- fr: Énergie
- Force
- Noun
- A push or pull acting on an object that can cause motion or deformation.
- Example: The force applied to the beam caused it to bend.
- fr: Force
- Friction
- Noun
- The resistance that occurs when two surfaces move against each other.
- Example: The resistance that occurs when two surfaces move against each other.
- fr: Frottement
- Load
- Noun
- A force or weight carried by a structure.
- Example: The bridge must support heavy loads safely.
- fr: Charge
- Material
- Noun
- A substance used to build or manufacture objects.
- Example: Engineers choose materials based on strength and durability.
- fr: Matériau
- Power
- Noun
- The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
- Example: The engine’s power output determines its performance.
- fr: Puissance
- Pressure
- Noun
- The force applied per unit area.
- Example: High pressure can damage mechanical systems.
- fr: Pression
- Strain
- Noun
- Engineers calculate stress to ensure materials do not fail.
- Example: Excessive strain can permanently damage a structure.
- fr: Déformation
- Stress
- Noun
- The internal force per unit area within a material.
- Example: Engineers calculate stress to ensure materials do not fail.
- fr: Contrainte
- System
- Noun
- A set of interconnected components working together to perform a function.
- Example: A set of interconnected components working together to perform a function.
- fr: Système
- Torque
- Noun
- A rotational force that causes an object to rotate around an axis.
- Example: The motor generates torque to turn the shaft.
- fr: Couple
- Velocity
- Noun
- The speed of an object in a specific direction.
- Example: Velocity changes when acceleration is applied.
- fr: Vitesse
- Work
- Noun
- The transfer of energy when a force moves an object over a distance.
- Example: Work is done when a force moves an object.
- fr: Travail