Dictionary of Automotive Terms Abbreviations

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ca"

C

Abbreviation for Celsius or centigrade.
Abbreviation for coulomb.
Abbreviation for comfort.
Symbol for the speed of light in a vacuum.

[C]: One of the Fraunhofer lines in the red of the solar spectrum. Its wavelength is 656.3045 nm; it is due to hydrogen.

χ: (chi) Symbol for magnetic susceptibility

C-3: Acronym for a computer command control system

C3I: Acronym for computer controlled coil ignition

C-4 system: Acronym for computer-controlled catalytic converter

CA: API classification for diesel engine oil widely used in the late '40s and '50s.

CAA: Acronym for Civil Aviation Authority

CAAM: Acronym for "China Association of Automobile Manufacturers."

CAB: Acronym for Civil Aeronautics Board

Cab

A taxi or car for hire.
The closed part of a truck (or even a car) where the driver sits.

Also See:
chassis cab

Cabbage: Trucker slang for a long steep incline in Eastern Oregon as in "I jammed the brakes pullin' off of Cabbage"

Cab chassis: A truck chassis which includes the driver compartment.

Cab-forward design: A car design in which the front end is short and the footwells extended to the front axle. This design gave more passenger space and pushed the windshield further from the passengers

Cabin: A passenger compartment.
Also See:
rear cabin pillar

Cabin altitude: The normal pressure altitude maintained in the cabin of a pressurized aircraft.

Cabin blower: An engine-driven pump, usually of displacement type, for maintaining an aircraft cockpit or cabin above atmospheric pressure. Also called cabin supercharger.

Cabin differential pressure: The pressure in excess of that of the surrounding atmosphere which is needed to maintain comfortable conditions at high altitude. For an aircraft flying at 9000m this differential would be about 60 kNm^-2.

Cabin forward: See:
cab-forward design

Cabin-forward design: See:
cab-forward design

Cabin pillar: See:
rear cabin pillar

Cabin supercharger: See:
cabin blower

Cable: A cord generally made of strands of thin wire. Electrical cables are covered with a protective non-conducting material. Control cables are housed within an outer sleeve.
Also See:
booster cable
bowden cable
brake cable
clutch cable
control cable
gearchange cables
heavy cable
ignition cable
jumper cables
light cable
shift cables
spark plug cable
speedo cable
speedometer cable
speedometer drive cable
starter switch control cable
stirrup cable
straddle cable
transverse cable

Cable activated: A device which is controlled by a cable. As a lever or pedal is engaged, the device is correspondingly moved. The longer the cable the less efficient is the system. Cables tend to stretch and fray with use.

Cable-angle indicator: An indicator showing the vertical angle between the longitudinal axis of a glider and its towing cable, also its yaw and roll attitude relative to the towing aircraft.

Cable brake: A braking device which is activated by a cable

Cable buoy: A buoy attached to an anchor and serving to mark its position.

Cablecar: A tram pulled by a moving underground cable, in the same manner as the cable railway.

Cable clamp

A device for securing a cable end to the point where it connects.
A device which secures the outer sheath of a cable

Cable cover strip: See:
spark plug cable cover strip

Cable cutter: A tool for severing a cable.

Cable ducts: Earthenware, steel, plastic, or concrete pipes containing cables.

Cable form: The normal scheme of cabling between units of apparatus. The bulk of the cable is made up on a board, using nails at the appropriate corners, each wire of the specified color identification being stretched over its individual route with adequate skinner. When the cable is bound with twine and waxed, it is fitted to the apparatus on the racks and the skinners connected, by soldering, to the tag blocks.

Cable grip: A flexible cone of wire which is put on the end of a cable. When the cone is pulled, it tightens and bites into the sheath of the cable, and can be used to pull the cable into a duct.

Cable guide: A tube which is secured in place to channel the cable which runs through it

Cable-laid rope: A rope formed of several strands laid together so that the twist of the rope is in the opposite direction to the twist of the strands. Compare lang lay

Cable lock: A thick cable with a lock at one end and which can be wrapped around a bicycle frame and a post to protect the bike from being stolen.

Cable loom: See:
spark plug cable loom

Cable marker: See:
spark plug cable marker

Cable operated: An item which is controlled by a cable

Cable railway: Means of transport whereby carriages are pulled up an incline by an endless overground or underground cable.

Cables: See:
cable

Cable separator: See:
spark plug cable separator

Cable-stayed bridge: A bridge type for medium spans in which the decking is suspended by diagonal cables attached directly to the supporting tower. Can be of fan or harp design. The decking is always in compression and is self-supporting during construction.
Also See:
bridge

Cable-way: A construction consisting of cables slung over and between two or more towers, so that skips suspended from the cables may be moved often over long distances. It is used for transport of ore etc. Also called blondin.

Cab Plus: A type of pickup truck (by Mazda) which has a second row of seating; but unlike a crew cab (which has four full size doors) it has a "half-door" that can be opened only after the main door is opened. The seating is usually a little more cramped than in a crew cab. Also called club Cab, extended Cab, king Cab, xtracab, access Cab, supercab

Cabriolet: Similar to the sport coupé, it has a provision for converting to an open-type body (i.e., convertible). A rumble seat is a common on older vehicles, but not mandatory feature. Mercedes-Benz distinguishes the cabriolet from the roadster in that the former has a soft-top which folds up while the roadster has a hard-top which is stored in the trunk. Also called a "drophead coupé."

CACIS: Acronym for "Continuous AC Ignition System"

CAD: Acronym for "computer aided design"

Cadastral survey: Land survey, boundary delineation.

Caddy: An euphemistic name for Cadillac
Also See:
plug caddy

Cadence: The speed your bicycle pedals turn. Professional bicycle riders have cadence of over 100 rpm

Cadence braking: A braking method in which the driver rapidly depresses and releases the brake pedal to bring a vehicle to an emergency stop

Cadillac

The following Cadillacs are classic cars:

All 1925-35 models
All 12-cylinder models
All 16 cylinder models
All 1938-41 60 Special models
All 1936-48 series #67, #70, #72, #75, #80, #85, #90

For a history of Cadillac, see Cadillac History.
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Cadillac DeVille: A model of automobile manufactured by General Motors' Cadillac division
Click image for books on Cadillac DeVille

Cadillac Eldorado: A vehicle brand of which the 1953-58, 67-70 Eldorado models are milestone cars. Also see the history of Cadillac Eldorado.
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Cadillac Eldorado Brougham: A vehicle brand of which the 1957-58 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac Eldorado.

Cadillac Seville: A model of automobile manufactured by General Motors' Cadillac division
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Cadillac 60 Special: A vehicle brand of which the 1948-49 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac 61 Coupe Fastback: A vehicle brand of which the 1948-49 models are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac 62: A vehicle brand of which the Sedanet and Convertible DeVille for 1948-49 are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadillac 75: A vehicle brand of which the Sedan/Limo for 1946-70 are milestone cars. Also see history of Cadillac.

Cadmium cell: A reference voltage standard, giving 1.0186 V at 20°C. Also called Weston standard cadmium cell.

Cadmium copper: A variety of copper containing 0.7 to 1.0% cadmium. Used for trolley, telephone, and telegraph wires because it gives high strength in cold-drawn condition combined with good conductivity.

Cadmium photocell: A photoconductive cell using cadmium disulphide or admium selenide as the photosensitive semiconductor. Sensitive to longer wavelengths and infrared. It has a rapid response to changes in light intensity.

Cadmium-plated: Something that is covered with a coating of cadmium. It is usually used to protect aluminum and steel nuts and bolts

Cadmium red line: Spectrum line formerly chosen as a reproducible standard of length, wavelength 643.8496 nm.

CAE: Acronym for Computer Aided Engineering

Caesium: British spelling for cesium

CAFE: Acronym for "Corporate Average Fuel Economy."

Café chop: Converting a stock motorcycle into a café racer is known as doing a café chop on a bike

Café racer

Motorcycle modified to resemble racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 60s. They are called "café racers" because their owners supposedly raced from café to café in London, where the bikes first appeared in the 1960s
An early sportbike motorcycle which originated in Europe. They had a low windshield and the rider was bent forward to optimize the flow of air. Its name came from those who raced from one restaurant (café) to another.

Cage

Any enclosure.
On a front derailleur of a bicycle, it is a pair of parallel plates that push the chain from side to side; on a rear derailleur, it is a set of plates in which pulleys are mounted to hold and guide the chain from cog to cog.
Any device for holding or securing something, e.g., a bottle cage on a bicycle.
When referring to bearings, it is the part which holds the balls or rollers in place. Usually called ball cage.
Also See:
bearing cage
needle cage
roller cage
When referring to a vehicle, it is the safety enclosure called a "roll cage."
Also See:
differential cage
integrated roll cage
multi-reed cage
The platform on which goods are hoisted up or lowered down a vertical shaft or guides; in mines, the steel box used to raise and lower workers, materials, or tubs. May have two or three decks.

Cage pedal: A bicycle pedal that is surrounded by a cage. It is found on all terrain bikes.

Cage rotor: A form of rotor, used for induction motors, having on it a cage winding. Also called squirrel-cage rotor.

Cage winding: A type of winding used for rotors of some types of induction motors, and for the starting or damping windings of synchronous machines. It consists of a number of bars of copper or other conducting materials, passing along slots in the core and welded to rings at each end. Also called squirrel-cage winding.

Cailletet's process: A method for the liquefaction of gases based on the free expansion of a gas from a higher to a lower pressure.

CAJAD: Acronym for "Canadian Association of Japanese Automobile Dealers"

Cake: The rectangular casting of copper or its alloys before rolling into sheet or strip.

Cal: Abbreviation for calorie

CAL: Acronym for Computer Aided Lighting

Calandria: Closed vessel penetrated by pipes so that liquids in each do not mix. In evaporating plant the tubes carry the heating fluid and in certain types of nuclear reactor, e.g., CANDU reactors, the sealed vessel is called a calandria

Calcium chloride: A chemical (salt) which is added to water in a liquid ballast.

Calcium sulphate: Chemical compound (CaSO₄), which is used as a drying agent or desiccant in liquid line driers

Calcium tungstate screen: A fluorescent screen used in a cathode-ray tube; it gives a blue and ultraviolet luminescence.

Calculation: See:
load distribution calculation

Calendering: A thin layer of rubber inside the tire casing which covers the carcass cords to protect them from moisture and to protect the tube from chafing by the cord body. In tubeless tires, calendering consists of a layer of air proof butyl rubber.

Caliber

Also spelled calibre

The internal diameter or bore of a pipe, esp. the barrel of a fire-arm.
The arrangement of the various components of a watch or clock.

Calibrate: As applied to test instruments it is the procedure of adjusting the dial needle to the correct zero or load setting to determine accurate measurements.

Calibrated airspeed: (CAS) Indicated airspeed corrected for position error and instrument error only. Not to be confused with equivalent airspeed or true airspeed. Also called rectified airspeed

Calibration: Marking the measuring units on an instrument or checking their accuracy

Calibration oil: Oil which is used in a tester for checking injection nozzles, meeting SAE J967D specifications

Calibre: See:
caliber

California wheel: A name given to a spoked wheel produced by particular manufacturer. Although the wheel is popular in the East and Midwest of United States, it is not common in California or other Western states.

Caliper

The clamping device on disc brakes which straddles the rotating disc and by hydraulic action it presses the pads against the disc to stop or slow the vehicle.
Also See:
brake caliper
floating caliper disc brake
pin slider caliper disc brake
swinging caliper
On bicycles, the brake arms that reach around the sides of a wheel to press brake pads against the wheel rim.
(British spelling is calliper). An adjustable measuring tool that is placed around (outside caliper) or within (inside caliper) an object and adjusted until it just makes contact. It is then withdrawn and the distance measured between the contacting points.
Also See:
dial caliper
digital caliper
inside spring caliper
machinists' caliper
outside spring caliper
pocket caliper
pocket slide caliper
vernier caliper

Caliper disc: See:
floating caliper disc brake
pin slider caliper disc brake

Caliper disc brake: See:
floating caliper disc brake
pin slider caliper disc brake

Caliper gauge: A caliper (definition #3)

Caliper mounting bracket: The component that connects a brake caliper to the steering knuckle, hub carrier, or rear axle

Calk: To fill seams in a wood deck with oakum or hammer the adjoining edges of metal together to stop leaks. Also spelled "caulk"

Calking: See:
caulking

Call: See:
close call

Calliper: Alternate spelling for caliper

Cal-look: A style modification of small vehicles which first started in California. Most of the chrome is removed and the vehicle is painted a bright color like yellow, light blue, and red.

Calorescence: The absorption of radiation of a certain wavelength by a body, and its re-emission as radiation of shorter wavelength. The effect is familiar in the emission of visible rays by a body which has been heated to redness by focusing infrared heat rays onto it.

Calorie: Two different calorie units are used by scientists. The calorie used by medical science is a small heat unit. It equals the heat required to raise the them of one gram of water one degree Celsius. The calorie used by engineering science is a large heat unit. It is equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree C. In the SI system it is recommended that the Joule unit of energy be used in place of the calorie

Calorific value: A measure of heating value of fuel

Calorimeter: An instrument to measure amount of heat given off by a substance when burned

CAM: Acronym for "Computer Aided Manufacturing"

Cam

A designed bump on a shaft or disc which causes a rocking motion in an adjacent part.
Also See:
camshaft
A metal disc with irregularly shaped lobes used in the camshaft to activate the opening and closing of the valves and in the distributor, to force the points to open.
A stepped or curved eccentric wheel mounted on a rotating shaft. As a cam is turned, objects in contact with it are raised or lowered.
A colloquial name for the camshaft.
A name for the breaker cam.

Also See:
adjuster cam
closing cam
distributor cam
double overhead cam
dual overhead cam engine
exhaust cam
fast idle cam
floating cam
inlet cam
intake cam
overhead cam
single-overhead cam

Cam-and-lever steering: A steering system in which a conical peg mounted on a lever engages in a helically cut groove on a cylindrical drum. Also called "cam-and-peg steering"

Cam-and-peg steering: See:
cam-and-lever steering

Cam-and-roller steering: A steering system in which a tapered disc or a set of discs or rollers engage with a helically cut, tapered groove on a cylindrical drum

Cam angle: See:
dwell

Camaro: A series of pony cars from the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It is often misspelled as "Camero" because of a mispronunciation. The 1967-69 SS/RS V-8 and Z-28 models are milestone cars.
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Cam belt: See:
timing belt

Camber

The rise of a deck of a ship, athwartship
A wheel alignment adjustment of the inward or outward tilt on the top of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Tipping the top of the wheel center line outward produces positive camber. Tipping the wheel center line inward at the top produces negative camber. When the camber is positive, the tops of the tires are further apart than the bottom. Correct camber improves handling and cuts tire wear. Camber is measured in degrees.
Also See:
wheel camber

Cambered axle: An axle that has a slight arch which curves upward at the center so that the wheels can tilt outward at the top. In this way it is better than an axle which might sag under load.

Camber thrust: The side force generated when a tire rolls with camber. Camber thrust can add to or subtract from the side force a tire generates.

Cam bolt: A bolt fitted with an eccentric that will cause parts to change position when the bolt is turned.

Cam chain: A timing chain which controls the overhead camshaft.

Cam design: See:
cam profile

Camel: A padded fender to keep a vessel away from a pier or quay to prevent damage to the hull or pier

Camelback: Uncured retread rubber in crescent shape, available in various widths and depths according to size and type of tire being retreaded.
Also See:
die size

Camelbak: A brand name for a hydration pack that fits on the back of a cyclist or hiker. It is filled with water and has a tube placed within reach for supplying water for the user.

Camel Grand Touring Prototype: (GTP) An International Motorsports Association's (IMSA) premier racing category until 1993 when it was replaced by the controlled cars World Sports Car Championship. GTP cars were the most powerful and the fastest on most road racing circuits in North America at that time. Over the years, many automakers fielded factory teams in this series including Ford, Toyota, Jaguar, Nissan, and Porsche.

Cam engine: See:
dual overhead cam engine
twin cam engine

Camera: Trucker slang for Police radar unit as in "There's a local yokal with a camera just ahead."

Camero: See:
Camaro

Cam face: The surface of a cam lobe

Cam follower: The unit that contacts the end of the valve stem and the camshaft. The follower rides on the camshaft and when the cam lobes move it upward, it opens the valve. Also called "valve lifter" or "tappet."

Cam grind: A type of brake shoe arcing that produces a lining thinner at its ends than at its center.

Cam ground piston: See:
cam-ground piston

Cam-ground piston: A piston with a skirt that is ground slightly egg-shaped or oval-shaped. The widest diameter of the skirt is at right angles to the piston-pin axis. When it is heated, it becomes round. The design allows for a closer fit in the cylinder so that there is a reduction of blowby gas, cylinder scuffing, and piston slap.

Cam heel: The lowest point of a cam opposite the lobe. Also called base circle

Cam lobe: See:
cam lobes

Cam lobes: The bumps on a camshaft that contact and activate such devices as the lifters, which operate the valves, and the rubbing block, which causes the points to open and close, as the cam spins with the distributor shaft.

Cam lubricator: A device, often in the form of a wick, for lubricating the contact breaker cam in the distributor

Campaigning: Racing a particular vehicle for an entire season.

Camper: A structure which fits into a truck bed for camping purposes. It usually has beds and possibly cooking and washing facilities. Also called a "truck camper" or "slide-in camper."
Also See:
van camper

Camping: See:
folding camping trailer

Camping trailer: A trailer containing camping equipment.
Also See:
folding camping trailer
soft-top trailer
hard-top trailer
trailer

Cam profile: The shape of each lobe on a camshaft. These shapes determine when the valves open or close.

Cam pulley holder: A tool for securing the camshaft when other adjustments are being made.

Cam/rocker: See:
opening cam/rocker

Cam/rocker: See:
opening cam/rocker

Cam roller: Rotating wheel acting as a cam follower

Camry: A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
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Camshaft: A shaft with cam lobes (bumps) which is driven by gears, a belt, or a chain from the crankshaft. The lobes push on the valve lifters to cause the valves to open and close. The camshaft turns at half the speed of the crankshaft.
Also See:
double-overhead cam
double overhead camshaft
exhaust camshaft
inlet camshaft
intake camshaft
overhead cam
overhead camshaft
race camshaft
three-quarter race camshaft
single-overhead camshaft
twin camshaft
twin overhead camshaft

Camshaft bearing: Usually a plain bearing which supports the camshaft

Camshaft drive: A connection between the crankshaft and camshaft by means of gears, chain, drive belt, shaft, or eccentric shaft to maintain the ratio of 1:2.

Camshaft drive belt: A timing belt

Camshaft drive sprocket: A sprocket attached to a crankshaft (either at one end or somewhere in the middle) which drives the camshaft with the use of a chain

Camshaft end play: The amount of lateral movement of the camshaft once it is installed

Camshaft engine: See:
twin camshaft engine

Camshaft gear: A gear that is used to drive the camshaft.

Camshaft housing: That part of the engine which encloses the camshaft and often other parts of the valve train.

Camshaft journal: That part of the camshaft that runs in one of its bearings

Camshaft pulley: The pulley on the end of the camshaft for the camshaft drive belt

Camshaft sprocket: The sprocket on the camshaft which (through a chain) is driven by the camshaft drive sprocket

Can

A tube in a canned motor pump which insulates the motor winding.
A muffler.
A container for liquid or other substances.
Also See:
oil can

Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement: (FTA) Implemented in January 1989 to eliminate all tariffs on U.S. and Canadian goods by January 1998 and to reduce or eliminate many non-tariff barriers.

Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council: (CARS) A not-for-profit organization established to serve the human resource and training needs of the Canadian car and truck repair and service industry.

Canadian cross border shopping: Cross border shopping describes the purchasing by Canadian consumers of products in the United States. Of particular interest is the decision by these buyers to obtain their products in the U.S., even though similar products are available in the Canadian market.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act: (CEPA) act where the goal is pollution prevention and protection of Canadians from toxic substances.

Cancellation: See:
noise cancellation

Candela: (cd) A basic unit of luminous intensity. If, in a given direction, a source emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 10¹² Hz, and the radiant intensity in that direction is 1/683 watt per steradian, then the luminous intensity of the source is 1 candela.

Candle: See:
candle power.

Candle power: A measurement of the light producing ability of a light bulb.

Candy apple paint: A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat

Candy paint: A bright color (usually red) paint (often with metal flakes) with a transparent clear coat

Canister: A small metal box or can.
Also See:
activated carbon canister
adsorption canister
charcoal canister
vapor canister

Canister air filter: A centrifugal force air filter

Canister purge shut-off valve: (CPSOV) a vacuum-operated valve that shuts off canister purge when the air injection diverter valve dumps air downstream

Canister purge solenoid: An electrical solenoid that opens the canister purge valve between the fuel vapor canister line and the intake manifold when energized

Canister purge valve: Valve used to regulate the flow of vapors from the evaporative canister to the engine

Canned motor pump: A glandless pump with a special type of submersible or "canned" motor, whose stator winding is insulated from the fluid pumped by a tube, the so-called can

Cannibalize: The action of removing good parts from one vehicle in order to put them into another vehicle.

Canning: The insertion of the catalyst element into the converter shell of a catalytic converter

Cannular combustion chamber: A gas turbine combustion system with individual flame tubes inside an annular casing.

Canonical assembly: Term used in statistical thermodynamics to designate a single assembly of a large number of systems which are such that the number of systems with energies lying between E and E+dE is proportional to e^-Eθ, where θ is a parameter characteristic of the assembly

Canopy

The transparent cover of a cockpit.
The fabric (nylon, silk, or cotton) body of a parachute, which provides high air drag. Usually hemispherical, but may be lobed or rectangular in shape.

Also See:
ribbon parachute

Cant: Slope of rail or road curve whereby outer radius is superelevated, to counteract centrifugal thrust of traffic.

Cant beam: Beams supporting the deck plating in the overhanging portion of the stern.

Canted deck: The flight deck of an aircraft carrier prolonged diagonally from one side of the ship, so that aircraft may fly off and land on without interference to or from aircraft parked at the bows. The British term is angled deck

Cant frame: A frame connected at the upper end to the cant beams

Cantilever: An arm that projects from a source and supports cables.
Also See:
cantilever brake

Cantilever brake

A bicycle rim brake with pivoting arms mounted on fork blades or seatstays at or below rim level. The two brake arms are connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable.
A type of ATB brake characterized by having the two brake arms connected by a straddle cable with the brake cable attached to the midpoint of the straddle cable. This type of brake was used on ATB bicycles (as well as tandems, touring, and cyclocross bicycles) before the invention of the V-Brake

Cantilever brakes: See:
cantilever brake.

Cantilever bridge: A bridge formed of self-supporting projecting arms built outward from the piers and meeting in the middle of the span, where they are connected together.
Also See:
suspended span

Cantilever deck: A bridge where the deck slab is fixed above the main beams or trusses and is cantilevered beyond the outer beams or trusses.

Cantilever spring

A leaf spring which is mounted upside down and attached to the vehicle at its mid-point. This system is no longer in use in modern vehicles.
A quarter-elliptic leaf spring

Cantrail: The roof rail

Canvas top: The convertible top.

Canyon: A nuclear energy term for a long narrow space often partly underground with heavy shielding for essential processing of wastes from reactors.

Cap

A protective round cover which is secured to something.
A covering over the bed of a truck.
The base of a light bulb which fits into a socket.
Cleaner air package system for reducing the amount of unburned hydrocarbons in the automobile exhaust.

Also See:
air cap
battery cap
bayonet cap
bearing cap
big-end cap
car cap
cold cap
distributor cap
double cap nut
dust cap
end cap
external mix air cap
filler cap
flip-top filler cap
fuel cap
full cap
hot cap
hubcap
inner cap nut
insulating cap
internal mix air cap
net cap cost
oil filler cap
outer cap nut
plug cap
pressure cap
pressure radiator cap
radiatorcap
radiator pressure cap
roto cap
safety pressure cap
spark plug cap
spindle cap
top cap
valve cap
valve spring cap

Capacitance (c)

The property which opposes any change in voltage in an electrical circuit. The property of a nonconductor by which it stores electrical energy when separated surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential. Capacitance is measured by the ratio of the charge induced to the potential difference and is proportional to the area of the conducting plates and the dielectric constant of the nonconducting material, and inversely proportional to the separation of the plates (mks unit: farad).
Property of a nonconductor (condenser or capacitor) that permits storage of electrical energy in an electrostatic field.
Of an isolated conductor, the ratio of the total charge on it to its potential; C=Q/V.

Also See:
farad
stray capacitance

Capacitance bridge: An ac bridge network for the measurement of capacitance.
Also See:
Schering bridge
Wien bridge

Capacitance coupling: Interstage coupling through a series capacitance or by a capacitor in a common branch of a circuit.

Capacitance grading: Grading of the properties of a dielectric, so that the variation of stress from conductor to sheath is reduced. The inner dielectric has the higher permitivity. Ideally, the grading is continuous and the permittivity varies as the reciprocal of the distance from the center.
Also See:
condenser bushing

Capacitance integrator: Resistance-capacitance circuit whose output voltage is approximately equal to the time integral of the input voltage.

Capacitative load: Terminating impedance which is markedly capacitative, taking an ac leading in phase on the source emf, e.g., electrostatic loudspeaker.

Capacitative reactance: Impedance associated with a capacitor. Has a magnitude in ohms equal to the reciprocal of the product of the capacitance (in farads) and the angular frequency of the supply (in rads s^-1). Also introduces a 90° phase angle such that the current through the device leads the applied voltage.

Capacities: See:
fluid capacities

Capacitive discharge: (CD) A type of ignition system. It can be either all-electronic or breaker point controlled. The primary power is drawn from the engine's battery and put into the CD power supply, where it is changed from 12 volts direct current to about 300 volts of pulsating direct current that is stored in a capacitor (condenser). The release of this energy through the coil is governed by a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). When the SCR switch is closed, the voltage stored in the capacitor is supplied to the coil, which acts as a voltage step-up transformer boosting firing voltage to around 30,000 volts to fire the plugs.

Capacitive reactance: The opposition or resistance to an alternating current as a result of capacitance; expressed in ohms

Capacitor

A device which gives capacitance, usually consisting of conducting plates or foil separated by layers of a dielectric. A potential difference applied across the plates induces a separation of charge centers in the dielectric, thus storing electrical energy.
Type of electrical storage device used in starting and/or running circuits on many electric motors

Also See:
absorption capacitor
condenser
ignition capacitor

Capacitor bushing: See:
condenser bushing

Capacitor controlled electronic ignition: See:
electronic ignition system
capacitive discharge

Capacitor discharge ignition (CDI): See:
capacitive discharge

Capacitor loudspeaker: See:
electrostatic loudspeaker

Capacitor microphone: See:
electrostatic microphone

Capacitor modulator: Capacitor microphone, or similar transducer, which, by variation in capacitance, modulates an oscillation either in amplitude or frequency

Capacitor motor: Single-phase induction motor with an auxiliary starting winding connected in series with a condenser (capacitor) for better starting characteristics.

Capacitor-resistance law: (C-R law) Law relating to exponential rise or decay of charge on capacitor in series with a resistor, and, by extension, to signal distortion on long submarine cables.

Capacitor start: Starting unit for electric motor using series capacitance to advance phase of current.

Capacitor-start motor: Motor which has a capacitor in the starting circuit

Capacitor terminal: See:
condenser bushing

Capacitron: See:
band ignitor tube

Capacity

The ability to contain or hold something.
Maximum production attainable under normal conditions. With regard to normal conditions, the company's operating practices are to be followed with respect to the use of production facilities, overtime, workshifts, holidays, etc.
The output of an electric motor or other electrical equipment.
The volume of fluid which a pump can handle.
A measure of the theoretical maximum amount of refrigeration-produced output, measured in tons or BTUs per hour
Refrigeration rating system. Usually measured in BTU per hour or watts.
Sometimes used to mean capacitance

Also See:
air capacity
ampere hour capacity
battery capacity
breathing capacity
carrying capacity
cubic capacity
energy
engine capacity
fuse
fuse capacity
load capacity
net capacity
nominal capacity
passenger capacity
ply rating
rated capacity
reserve capacity
seating capacity
top off
work capacity

Capacity plan: A plan outlining the spaces available for fuel, cargo, ballast, fresh water, etc, with guides on weight and volume for spaces at various drafts and displacements

Capacity rating: See:
rated capacity

Cap-and-pin type insulator: A special form of the suspension insulator

Cap cost: See:
capitalized cost
net cap cost

Cap cost reduction: See:
capitalized cost reduction

Cape chisel: A metal cutting chisel shaped to cut or work in channels or grooves

Capillarity: A phenomenon associated with surface tension, which occurs in fine bore tubes or channels.

Capillary: A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges

Capillary action: The property of a liquid to move into small spaces if it has the ability to "wet" these surfaces

Capillary tube: A tube usually gas-filled, with a precisely calibrated length and inside diameter, used to connect the remote bulb or coil to the expansion valve or thermostat. A tube with a very small bore used for temperature gauges. Also called pressure sensing line

Capitalized: See:
net capitalized cost

Capitalized cost: The total price of the vehicle, in effect, its purchase price. In theory, the cap cost should equal the amount you would pay for the vehicle if you were purchasing the vehicle. When a lease is made, the dealer sells that vehicle to the leasing company (for the cap cost), which then leases the the vehicle to you.
Also See:
net capitalized cost

Capitalized cost reduction: A fancy name for a cash down payment, money you pay up front that is applied to the final purchase price of a lease. A large cap cost reduction will, of course reduce the monthly payments, but it will also negate one of the big advantages of leasing. However, if you own your present car, you may be able to use it, as a trade-in, to satisfy the cap cost reduction to start the lease. Remember, you must pay sales tax on any cap cost reduction you make. Another source of capital cost reduction may be dealer or manufacturer participation. Dealers and manufacturers will sometimes lower the cap cost or offer a rebate that reduces the cap cost. A dealer or manufacturer cap cost reduction does lower your total out-of-pocket dollars, unlike a cap cost reduction that you must pay.

Capital expenditures: Expenditures to acquire or add to capital assets that will yield benefits over several accounting periods. Included are cost of procuring, construction, installing new durable plants, machinery and equipment where for replacement, addition or for lease or rent to other companies including subsidies.

Cap nut: A nut that is closed at the threaded end often with a dome. Also called box nut or dome nut.
Also See:
double cap nut
inner cap nut
outer cap nut

Capping

Installing a new tread on a tire carcass.
Also See:
retreading.
Door molding or capping

Cap screw: See:
socket head screw

Capstan

A stump with a vertical axis used for handling mooring and other lines.
A vertical drum or spindle on which rope is wound, it is rotated by manpower or by hydraulic or electric motor.
Roller providing the constant speed drive in a magnetic tape recorder.

Capstan-head screw: A screw having a cylindrical head provided with radial holes in its circumference. It is tightened by a tommy bar inserted in these holes.

Capstan lathe: A lathe in which the tools required for successive operations are mounted radially in a tool-holder resembling a capstan; by revolving this, each tool in turn may be brought into position in exact location.

Capstan nut: A nut which is tightened in the same way as a capstan-head screw

Capstan screw: A screw or bolt with a round head and one or more holes through it into which a bar may be inserted for securing or removing it

Capstat: A wax-type thermostat at the base of the jet of a SU carburetor, which expands and reduces fuel flow when the underhood temperature rises.
Also See:
temperature compensator

Capsule: See:
advance capsule
vacuum capsule

Captive: Something that is permanently located in the desired position

Captive balloon: A balloon anchored or towed by a line. Usually the term refers only to spherical balloons. Special shapes (e.g., for stability) are called kite balloons

Captive finance company: A leasing or finance company which is affiliated with an automobile manufacturer or distributor.

Captive import: An imported motor vehicle or part manufactured by another automaker usually for sale under the brand name of the importer.

Captive nut: A nut which fits into a cage and is welded in place. This is done where the nut is not easily accessible.

Capture: Any process in which an atomic or nuclear system acquires an additional particle. In a nuclear radiative capture process there is an emission of electromagnetic radiation only, e.g., the emission of gamma rays subsequent to the capture of a neutron by a nucleus.

Car

A wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, a section of a train, or a streetcar. The word is an abbreviation of "carriage" -- a device to carry people or goods.
In an airship, the part intended for the carrying of the load (crew, passengers, goods, engines, etc.). It may be suspended below, or may be inside the hull of envelope.

Also See:
49-state car
bubble car
champ car
city car
classic car
collector car
compact car
company car
competition car
concept car
cult car
cycle car
donor car
dream car
edwardian car
electric car
estate car
executive car
family car
fleet car
forty-nine state car
full-size car
funny car
hybrid car
intermediate car
kit car
luxury car
mass-produced car
mid-size car
milestone Car Society
milestone cars
motor car
multi-storey car park
new car dealer
open car
pace car
parts car
passenger car wheel
passenger car
pony car
production car
program cars
recycling car
shopping car
solar car
spares car
sports car
stock car
street car
sun car
super car
touring car
town car
veteran car
vintage car
volume car

Car accident: A collision between two or more vehicles (or between a vehicle and a stationary object), whether the vehicles are cars or trucks. Some are minor like a fender bender while others are totalled.
Also See:
written off

Caravan

A group of vehicles (belonging to one organization) which follows after one another.
A British term for camping trailer or a mobile home.
The name of a minivan produced by Chrysler (DaimlerChrysler) from 1983.

Caravanning: A British term for travelling with a camping trailer

Carb: An abbreviation for "carburetor."

Car banger: A British term for a person or organization which fakes a car accident in order to defraud an insurance company

Car banging: The act of faking a car accident in order to defraud an insurance company

Carbide: A binary combound of metals with carbon. Carbides of group IV to VI metals (e.g., silicon, iron, tungsten) are exceptionally hard and refractory. In group I and II, calcium carbide (ethynide) is the most useful.
Also See:
cemented carbides
cementite
silicon carbide

Carbide tools: Cutting and forming tools used for hard materials or at high temperatures. They are made of carbides of tungsten, tantalium, and other metals held in a matrix of cobalt, nickel, etc., and are very hard with good compressive strength.

Carb kit: A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor

Car blind: A curtain or pull-down covering for the backlight (i.e., rear window) to obscure the bright headlights of a following vehicle. Some are also used for side windows for privacy. It is generally illegal to use them on the driver's side window or the windshield.

Carbon

The hard or soft, black deposits found in the combustion chamber, on the plugs, under the rings, on and under the valve heads, etc. Although it is not a metal, it is a good conductor of electricity.
An element which forms various kinds of steel when combined with iron. In steel, it is the changing carbon content which changes the physical properties of the steel.
Carbon is used in a solid form as an electrode for arc welding, as a mold to hold weld metal, or for motor brushes.

Also See:
activated carbon
high carbon steel
low carbon steel
medium carbon

Carbon arc: An arc between carbon electrodes, usually limited to pure carbon rather than flame carbon electrodes

Carbon-arc lamp: Obsolete light source from the arc between carbon electrodes.

Carbon-arc welding: Arc welding carried out by means of an arc between a carbon electrode and the material to be welded.

Carbon black: A by-product of the petroleum industry used as a pigment and to give body in the manufacture of rubber products, both natural and synthetic. Carbon is the black residue from burning petroleum.

Carbon brush: A block of carbon to which a copper wire (or braided cable) is attached at one end and the other end rubs against a commutator, collector ring, or slip ring to transmit electricity

Carbon brush spring: See:
brush spring

Carbon build-up: A deposit of burned oil which collects in the combustion chamber on the top of the piston and the head. Too much carbon build-up can lead to an inefficient engine and sticky valves.

Carbon button: See:
carbon microphone

Carbon canister: See:
activated carbon canister

Carbon contact: In a switch, an auxiliary contact designed to break contact after and to make contact before the main contact to prevent burning of the latter; it is of carbon and designed to be easily removable.

Carbon-core leads: High tension wire going from the distributor to the coil or the spark plugs. Each wire has a core of carbon or graphite rather than copper wire to conduct the electricity. Carbon-core wire is not recommended for most small engines such as motorcycle engines.

Carbon dating: Dating method which uses the fact that atmospheric carbon dioxide contains a constant proportion of radioactive ¹⁴C, formed by cosmic radiation. Living organisms absorb this isotope in the same proportion. After death it decays with a half-life 5.57x10³ years. The proportion of ¹²C to the residual ¹⁴C indicates the period elapsed since death. Also called radiocarbon dating

Carbon dioxide: (CO₂) A colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas which is a product of breathing and the combustion process. Sometimes used as refrigerant: Refrigerant # is R-744

Carbon dioxide laser: Laser in which the active gaseous medium is a mixture of carbon dioxide and other gases. It is excited by glow-discharge and operates at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. Carbon dioxide lasers are capable of pulsed output with peak power up to 100 MW or continuous output up to 60 kW.

Carbon-dioxide welding: Metal arc welding using CO₂ as the shielding gas.

Carbon gland: A type of gland used to prevent leakage along a shaft. It consists of carbon rings cut into segments and pressed into contact with the shaft by an encircling helical spring or garter spring

Carboned up: Covered with a thick deposit of carbon. In Britain it is called "coked up"

Carbon fiber: Threadlike strands of pure carbon that are strong and flexible. Carbon fiber can be bound in a plastic resin matrix to form a strong composite. It is light-weight and stronger than steel. Can also be spelled "carbon fibre."

Carbon fibre: A high-tech material favored in many motorcycle applications because it is extremely strong, light and expensive. The distinctive look of carbon fiber has become trendy.
Also See:
carbon fiber.

Carbon filter: Air filter using activated carbon as a cleansing agent

Carbon fouling: The situation that occurs when the two electrical terminals of the spark plug are coated with carbon causing a reduction in efficiency leading to intermittent firing or complete failure.

Carbonization: The steeping of wool in a dilute solution of sulphuric acid, or its treatment by hydrochloric acid gas (dry process). This converts any cellulosic impurities into carbon dust and thereby facilitates their removal.

Carbonize: Building up of carbon on objects such as spark plugs, pistons, heads, etc.

Carbonized filament: Thoriated tungsten filament coated with tungsten carbide to reduce loss of thorium from the surface.

Carbonizing: Another term for carburizing or reducing

Carbon knock: When there is a build-up of carbon in the combustion chamber, uncontrolled ignition will take place causing a knocking noise.

Carbon microphone: A microphone in which a normally dc energizing current is modulated by changes in the resistance of a cavity filled by granulated carbon which is compressed by the movement of the diaphragm. The diameter of the cavity is frequently very much less than that of the diaphragm, and it is then known as a carbon button.

Carbon monoxide: (CO) A deadly, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas found in the engine exhaust. Toxic even in relatively small concentrations. Formed by incomplete burning of hydrocarbons. Thus at its greatest with a rich mixture.

Carbon pile voltage transformer: Variable electrical resistor made from disks or plates of carbon arranged to form a pile.

Carbon pin: A thin cylinder of carbon located in the distributor cap to transfer high tension electricity from the coil to the rotor to the high tension leads going to the spark plugs.

Carbon resistor: Negative temperature coefficient, non-inductive resistor formed of powdered carbon with ceramic binding material. Used for low-temperature measurements because of the large increase in resistance as temperature decreases.

Carbon steel: A steel whose properties are determined principally by the amount of carbon present and contains no other deliberate alloying ingredient except those necessary to ensure deoxidation and physical quality. Also called plain carbon steel.
Also See:
steel
high carbon steel
low carbon steel

Carbon tetrachloride: A liquid often used in fire extinguishers. The fumes are toxic -- avoid inhaling.

Carbon tracking: A trace of carbon found inside the distributor cap which leads away some electricity, thus causing the engine to misfire.

Carbonyl powders: Metal powders produced by reacting carbon monoxide with the metal to form the gaseous carbonyl. This is then decomposed by heat to yield powder of high purity.

Carborundum: Trade name for silicon carbide abrasives.

Carborundum wheel: See:
grinding wheel

Carboy: Large, narrow-necked container, usually of balloon shape, having a capacity of 201 or more.

Carbs: Abbreviation for carburetors.
Also See:
dual carbs

Carburation: British term for carburetion

Carburetion: The mixture of vaporized fuel and air in the proper proportions for combustion in an engine

Carburetor: Optionally spelled "carburetter" or "carburettor." A device that vaporizes fuel and mixes it with air in proper quantities and proportions to suit the varying needs of the engine. A filter screens the air which is drawn into the carburetor. Here the gasoline mixes with the air and this fuel vapor enters the combustion chamber through the intake valve where it is compressed and burned.
Also See:
air-valve carburetor
air valve carburetor
barrel carburetor
compound carburetor
cross-draft carburetor
double-barrel carburetor
downdraft carburetor
dual carbs
dual carburetors
feedback carburetor
fixed-choke carburetor
fixed-jet carburetor
flood the carburetor
four-barrel carburetor
four barrel carburetor
hif carburetor
horizontal draft carburetor
progressive carburetor
sidedraft carburetor
single-barrel carburetor
slide carburetor
starting carburetor
stromberg carburetor
su carburetor
tamperproof carburetor
twin-choke carburetor
twin barrel carburetor
twin carburetors
two-stage carburetor
updraft carburetor
variable-choke carburetor
variable-venturi carburetor
vv carburetor

Carburetor adapter: An adapter that is used to fit or place one type of carburetor on an intake manifold that may not be originally designed for it. Also used to adapt four-barrel carburetors to two-barrel manifolds.

Carburetor barrel: The tube-like part of the vehicle through which air flows and is mixed with vaporized fuel. The choke butterfly valve is located at the top of the carburetor barrel, and the throttle valve is located at the bottom. Midway through, the barrel narrows, and this part is called the "venturi." Carburetors can have one, two, or four barrels.

Carburetor circuit: A series of passageways and units designed to perform a specific function idle circuit, full power circuit, etc.

Carburetor circuits: See:
carburetor circuit.

Carburetor engine: A combustion engine which uses a carburetor instead of fuel injection.

Carburetor fuel filter: A filter made of pleated paper or sintered bronze that is mounted into the body of the carburetor at the float bowl fuel inlet. It is held in place by the fuel hose/pipe fittings. On some cars, a small in-line filter is screwed directly into the carburetor's fuel inlet. Also called an integral fuel filter.

Carburetor icing: The formation of ice on the throttle plate or valve during certain atmospheric conditions. As the fuel nozzles feed fuel into the air horn it turns to a vapor. This robs heat from the air and when weather conditions are just right (fairly cool and quite humid) ice may form.
Also See:
icing

Carburetor kit: A collection of gaskets, O-rings, jets, etc. to rebuild a carburetor. Also called a "carb kit."

Carburetor throat: See:
venturi

Carburetor venturi: See:
venturi

Carburetter: British spelling for carburetor.

Carburettor: See:
carburetor.

Car burglar: A person who steals object from a car, but does not steal the car itself.
Also See:
car thief

Carburization: The process of creating carbon steel by increasing the carbon content of steel to reach the desired degree of hardness

Carburizing

A carburizing flame in welding terms is an oxygen-fuel gas flame with a slight excess of the fuel gas.
A method of case-hardening low carbon steel in which the metal component is heated above its ferrite-austenite transition in a suitable carbonaceous atmosphere. Carbon diffuses into the surface and establishes a concentration gradient. The steel can subsequently be hardened by quenching either directly or after re-heating to refine the grain structure. It is usually lightly tempered afterwards, producing a hard case over a tough core.

Car cap: A waterproof cover which encloses just the greenhouse (i.e., the roof, windshield, side glass, and backlight)

Car care product: One of several items for taking care of the outward finish of the car (i.e., cleaners, polish, wax, preservers) as well as the interior pieces (e.g., dash cleaners, upholstery cleaners and sealers)

Carcass: The primary structure of a tire body with its cords, plies, rim wires, etc. apart from the tread itself. Structurally the carcass should hold air and provide strength to the tire, but would not wear well without the tread.

Car Club of America: See:
Classic Car Club of America

Car cover: A cover which encloses the entire vehicle to protect the finish from the elements.

Car crash: A car accident

Card: The graduated dial or face of a magnetic compass to which the card and needle are firmly connected.; See:
file card brush

Cardan: See:
cardan joint.

Cardan joint: A type of universal joint named after the Italian Cardan who developed the concept in the 16th century. In the 17th century, Robert Hooke of England developed and patented the conventional universal joint. Sometimes it is called the "Cardan universal" or the "Hooke universal." It has two yokes at right angles to each other.

Cardan mount: Type of gimbal mount used for compasses and gyroscopes.

Cardan shaft: A shaft with universal joints at each end

Cardan universal: See:
cardan joint.

Card brush: See:
file card brush

Car dealer: See:
new car dealer

Cardinal planes: In a lens, planes perpendicular to the principal axis, and passing through the cardinal points of the lens.

Cardinal points: For a lens system, the two principal foci, the two nodal points and the two principal points. For a lens used in air, the principal points coincide with the corresponding nodal points. For a lens of negligible thickness the principal points and the nodal points all coalesce at a single point at the optical center of the lens.

Cardioid: A heart-shaped curve with polar equation r=2a(1+cosθ). An epicycloid in which the rolling circle equals the fixed circle.

Cardioid directivity: Special shape of a directivity. It is produced by superimposing the fields of a monopole and a dipole, and has the shape of a cardioid.

Care product: See:
car care product

Car-floor contact: A contact attached to the false floor of an electrically controlled lift; it is usually arranged to prevent operation of the lift by anyone outside the car while a passenger is in the lift.

Cargo: See:
bulk cargo
general cargo

Cargo area: The space within a station wagon or van for carrying goods or the bed of a pickup truck for carrying goods

Cargo battens: Strips of wood fitted inside the frames to keep cargo away from hull steelwork. Also called "sparring"

Cargo box: A type of container mounted on the roof of a vehicle

Cargo net: A type of bungee net usually found in the trunk of a car to secure packages from moving around; but also found behind or beside a seat.

Cargo port: Opening in a ship's side for loading and unloading cargo.

Cargo shifting: Movements or changing positions of cargo from one place to another which can easily endanger the seaworthiness of the ship

Cargo ship: See:
dry cargo ship

Cargo trailer: A trailer with sides.

Carina: A model of automobile manufactured by Toyota
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Car insurance: An insurance policy (mandatory in most states and all of Canada) to cover possible damage to the vehicle or property or passengers, etc. Sometimes basic insurance is abbreviated PL&PD (public liability and property damage). Also called "motor insurance"

Car jacker: A person who steals a car at gunpoint.

Car jacking: A process of stealing a car while the driver is still in it. The car may be stopped at a traffic light when a car jacker appears with a gun and demands that the driver get out, then he drives away with the car. If it happens to you, give him the car -- your life is worth more than the vehicle.

Car key: An unlocking device for the ignition switch, doors, trunk, gas cap, etc.

Car lot: A place where vehicles are sold by an independent dealer

Car mechanic: See:
mechanic

Carnot cycle: An ideal heat engine cycle of maximum thermal efficiency. It consists of isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression to the initial state.

Carnot's theorem: Theorem stating that no heat engine can be more efficient than a reversible engine working between the same temperatures. It follows that the efficiency of a reversible engine is independent of the working substance and depends only on the temperatures between which it is working.

Car park: A parking area usually located within a building.
Also See:
multi-storey car park

Carpeting: The action of covering the passenger compartment floor (and sometimes the trunk floor) with a form-fitting rug or carpet.

Car phone: A telephone that is installed in a vehicle, but has recently been replaced by personal cell phones.
Also See:
cellular phone

Car polish: A product which enhances the shine of the paintwork of a vehicle

Car radio: A radio receiver which is installed (usually in the dash) in a vehicle

Carrene: Refrigerant in Group One (R-11). Chemical combination of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine

Carriage

A horse-drawn vehicle for people to ride in.
A railroad vehicle for passengers.

Carriage bolt: A bolt that has a smooth dome head (like a mushroom) so that no screwdriver or wrench can remove it from the dome-side.

Carriage spring: See:
laminated spring

Carriage-type switchgear: See:
truck-type switchgear

Carriageway: See:
dual carriageway

Carrier

A thin substance that helps another substance to reach its goal. For example, a spray grease may have a carrier which transports the grease to its destination. Then the carrier dries up leaving the grease behind.
A real or imaginary particle responsible for the transport of electric charge in a material. In oxide ceramics, electrons hopping between ions, diffusing oxygen ions and mobile cations can also transport charge.
Also See:
carriers
A device for conveying the drive of a face-plate of a lathe to a piece of work which is being turned between centers. It is clamped to the work and driven by a pin projecting from the face-plate.
A frame for holding a negative in an enlarger or slides in a projector.
Non-active material mixed with, and chemically identical to, a radioactive compound. Carrier is sometimes added to carrier-free material.
A vehicle for communicating in formation, when the chosen medium itself cannot convey the information but can convey a carrier, on to which the information is impressed by modulation.
In radio transmission, the output of the transmitter before it is modulated.
Also See:
frequency modulation
The frequencies chosen for sending many signals simultaneously along a single communication channel by frequency-division multiplex.

Also See:
barge carriers
bicycle carrier
bulk carrier
carrier bearing
contract carrier
differential carrier
hub carrier
jet carrier
lng carrier
luggage carrier
ore-bulk-oil carrier
ore carrier
pinion carrier
planet carrier
product carrier
spare tire carrier

Carrier bearing: The bearings upon which the differential case is mounted.

Carrier bearings: See:
carrier bearing.

Carrier mobility: The mean drift velocity of the charge carriers in a material per unit electric field.

Carrier noise: Noise which has been introduced into the carrier of a transmitter before modulation.

Carrier, pinion: See:
pinion carrier.

Carrier, planet: See:
planet carrier.

Carrier power: Power radiated by a transmitter in absence of modulation.

Carriers: In a crystal of semiconductor material thermal agitation will cause a number of electrons to dissociate from their parent atoms; in moving about the crystal they act as carriers of negative charge. Other electrons will move from neighboring atoms to fill the space left behind, thus causing the holes where no electrons exist in the lattice to be transferred from one atom to another. As these holes move around they can be considered as carriers of positive charge. See impurity.
Also See:
barge carriers
top carriers

Carrier wave: An unmodulated radio wave produced by a transmitter on which information is carried by amplitude or frequency modulation.

Carrosserie: French term for coachwork.

Carrozzeria: Italian term for coachwork.

Carrying capacity: The maximum load that a tire is allowed to carry with a particular wheel and rim. Also called "load capacity."

Carrying-current: See:
instantaneous carrying-current

CARS: Acronym for "Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council"

Car society: See:
milestone Car Society

Car sponge: A large sponge for washing the exterior of a vehicle

Car stands: Pedestal-type supports for holding up a car once the car has been raised.

Car stereo: A listening device in an automobile which usually has an AM/FM radio and often a cassette player, CD player, and/or CD changer. It also includes at least a pair of speakers.

Cart: See:
tool cart

Car tax: A government imposed tax which is added to the price of a new car. Some governments charge a road-use tax and call it a car tax.

Cartesian diver: See diver

Car test: A test of a vehicle's roadworthiness, reliability, and performance.