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Term Definition
Acrylics. In carpeting, generic term including acrylic and modified acrylic (modacrylic) fibers; acrylic is a polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile; modacrylic is a polymer composed of less than 85% but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile.  
Acrylonitrile Butadiene-Styrene. Plastic material used in manufacturing drainage pipe and fittings.  
Act of God. An unexpected event, not within the control of either party, that makes the performance of a contract impossible, unreasonable, or illegal.  
Activated Carbon. Specially processed carbon used as a filter-drier; commonly used to clean air; pulverized carbon treated to be especially adsorbent.  
Activated Charcoal. See Activated Carbon.  
Activator. A catalyst, curing agent, or coreactant, as for an epoxy resin.  
Active Door. In a pair of doors, the leaf that opens first and the one to which the lock is applied.  
Active Pressure. The pressure exerted by retained earth; such as the earth retained by a retaining wall.  
Active System. A solar heating or cooling system that requires outside mechanical power to move the collected heat.  
Actual Dimension. The true size of a piece of lumber after it has been milled and dried; see Nominal Dimension.  
Actual Notice. The giving of notice by mailing it or handing it to the recipient.  
Actuator. That portion of a regulating valve which converts mechanical fluid, thermal energy, or electrical energy into mechanical motion to open or close the valve seats.  
Acute Angle. An angle of less than 90 degrees.  
AD Plywood. A designation or gradation of plywood. The A and the D designate quality of surface layers.  
Ad Valorem. A tax imposed at a percentage rate of the value of the property, such as property tax.  
ADA. Americans with Disabilities Act.  
Adapter Terminal. Electrical fitting attached to the end of a conductor or to a piece of equipment, for taking power from an outlet in a way for which it was not designed.  
Adapter, Cubicle. See Cubical Adapter.  
Adapter. A mechanical device for connecting two different parts.  
Adaptive reuse. Adapting an old or historical building for a new purpose.  
Addenda. A revision in the contract document made prior to the execution of the owner-contractor contract.  
Additive Alternate. An alternate bid that, if accepted, adds to the contract price.  
Additive. A substance added to another to impart different or special qualities; an admixture.  
Adhered Veneer. A veneer secured and supported through adhesion to an approved bonding material applied over an approved backing.  
Adhered. Attached by adhesion, rather than mechanical anchorage, as adhered veneer.  
Adherence. The properties of bodies for sticking together.  
Adherend Failure. Failure of an adhesive joint when the separation is within the adherend.  
Adherend. A body that is held to another body by an adhesive.  
Adhesion Type Ceramic Veneer. Thinner sections of ceramic veneer, held in place by adhesion of mortar to unit and to backing; no metal anchors are required.  
Adhesion, Mechanical. Adhesion between surfaces in which the adhesive holds the parts together by interlocking action.  

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