(Encyclopedia) blink microscope, in astronomy, device for determining a change in position or magnitude (brightness) of a star relative to other stars in the background. Two photographs of the same…
(Encyclopedia) siphonsiphonsīˈfən, –fŏn [key], tube or other enclosed conduit through which a liquid is lifted over an elevation and then emptied at a lower level. The movement of the liquid is…
(Encyclopedia) fireproofing, method of making normally combustible materials as nearly noncombustible as possible. Fireproofing generally applies to textiles and construction materials that are…
(Encyclopedia) state of emergency, situation in which a government or a government body is empowered to act with enhanced powers in order to respond to a crisis. The enhanced or emergency powers, and…
(Encyclopedia) ChristadelphiansChristadelphianskrĭsˌtədĕlˈfēənz [key] [Gr.,=brothers of Christ], small religious denomination founded in the United States in 1848 by John Thomas. Its members live by…
(Encyclopedia) EvanderEvanderĭvănˈdər [key], in Greek religion, a minor deity worshiped in Arcadia in connection with Pan. In Roman religion, he was said to have introduced the worship of Faunus and…
(Encyclopedia) genitivegenitivejĕnˈĭtĭv [key] [Lat.,=genetic], in Latin grammar, the case typically used to refer to a possessor. The term is used in the grammar of other languages, but the…
(Encyclopedia) Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. statutory agency, created in 1949 within the Dept. of Defense. The chairman is the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security…
(Encyclopedia) JolietJolietjōˈlēĕtˌ [key], city (1990 pop. 76,836), seat of Will co., NE Ill., on the Des Plaines River; inc. 1857. It is a river port and an industrial shipping center, with…