Search Terms & Definitions
Number of Materials Displayed: 1740
All Terms and Definitions:
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Name:
A/C Condenser
Description:
The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and "turns" the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the c -
Name:
A/C Disconnect
Description:
The main electrical ON-OFF switch. -
Name:
AAMA
Description:
American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association that establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, curtain wall, a -
Name:
Abacus
Description:
The slab at the top of a capital between the capital and the architectural member above. -
Name:
Absorptance
Description:
The ratio of radiant energy absorbed to total incident radiant energy in a glazing system. -
Name:
Acanthus
Description:
A plant found on the shores of the Mediterranean and particularly admired by the Greeks and Romans for the elegance of its leaves. Found on many classical designs s -
Name:
Acroteria
Description:
Plinths for statues or ornaments placed at the apex and ends of a pediment: also, more loosely, both the plints and what stands on them. -
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Acroterion
Description:
An ornamental projection at the corner or peak of a roof; or the base that supports the ornament. -
Name:
Acrylic
Description:
A thermoplastic with good weather resistance, shatter resistance, and optical clarity, used for glazing. -
Name:
Aedicule
Description:
Small structure intended to house a sacred image or statue. It may also be a niche set into the external wall of a building. -
Name:
Aerator
Description:
The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow. -
Name:
Aerogel
Description:
A microporous, transparent silicate foam used as a glazing cavity fill material, offering possible U-values below 0.10 BTU/(h-sq ft-°F) or 0.56 W/(sq m-°C). -
Name:
Aerugo
Description:
A sheen or patina either naturally occurring or simulated, which gives the appearance of age. -
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Aggregate
Description:
A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete. -
Name:
Air infiltration
Description:
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows and doors. -
Name:
Air space
Description:
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap. -
Name:
Air-leakage (air infiltration)
Description:
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows, and doors. -
Name:
Air-leakage rating
Description:
A measure of the rate of air-leakage around a window, door, or skylight in the presence of a specific pressure difference. It is expressed in units of cubic feet per -
Name:
Aisle
Description:
Subsidiary space alongside the body of a building, separated from it by columns, piers, or posts. -
Name:
Alatorium
Description:
The Latin term for the wall walk behind the battlements of a fortification, which enables the defenders to protect their position from the tops of the walls. Also kn -
Name:
Albarrana
Description:
A bridge connecting separate towers of Andalusian fortifications (Spanish). A tower connected to the curtain wall by a bridge. -
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Allowance(s)
Description:
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of ti -
Name:
Allure
Description:
Walkway along the top of a wall. -
Name:
Altar
Description:
The focal point of a place of worship, raised platform or table where ceremonies are performed. -
Name:
Alternation of Support
Description:
A system of supports for an arcade or colonnade in which there are two different types of support. The alternation may be quite obvious between one pier (strong supp