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Term Definition
Digital. A digital instrument shows a measurement directly as a number, such as the LED display on a digital watch; compare with Analog.  
Dike. A long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding.  
Dilapidation. A building in a state of neglect, disrepair, decay, ruin, or deterioration through neglect or misuse.  
Diluent. In lacquer, the volatile portion of vehicle not capable by itself of dissolving nitrocellulose.  
Diluents. See Thinners.  
Dimension Lumber. Lumber with a nominal thickness of from 2 inches up to but not including 5 inches and a nominal width of 2 inches or more; includes joists, planks, rafters, studs, and small timbers; see also Dimension Stock.  
Dimension Ratio. The diameter of a pipe divided by the wall thickness; each pipe can have two dimension ratios depending on whether the outside or inside diameter is used; in practice, the outside diameter is used if the standards requirement and manufacturing control are based on this diameter; the inside diameter is used when this measurement is the controlling one.  
Dimension Stock. Hardwood stock processed to a point where the maximum waste remains at the dimension mill and the maximum utility is delivered to the user; stock of specified thickness, width, and length; according to specifications, it may be solid or glued up, rough or surfaced, semifabricated or completely fabricated; commonly known as Hardwood Dimension Lumber.  
Dimension. 1. A measurable extent of any kind, such as width, length, height, or volume. 2. Dimension Lumber, See Dimension Stock.  
Dimensional Stability. 1. The ability of a fabric to retain its dimensions in service and wet cleaning. 2. The ability of any material to maintain its essential dimensions in the conditions in which it is used.  
Dimensional Stabilization. Measures taken to prevent or rce warping, swelling. or shrinking.  
Dimensions of Concrete Masonry Units. In practice, the first dimension of a CMU represents the thickness, the second, height; and the third, length.  
Dimer. Formed by chemical combination of two similar molecules.  
Diminish. To make or appear less or smaller.  
Diminishing Returns. An increase in expenditure, investment, or taxation, beyond a certain point, ceases to produce a proportionate yield.  
Diminution in Value. The amount by which the market value of property is rced by any cause.  
Dimmer Switch. A switch which controls the brightness of a light.  
Dimple. The depression in the surface of gypsum board caused by a hammer as the nail head is set slightly below the surface or plane of the gypsum board to permit concealment with joint compound.  
Diode. A semiconductor allowing the flow of current in one direction only and having two terminals.  
Diorite. A granular, crystalline igneous rock commonly of acid plagioclase and hornblende, pyroxene, or biotite.  
Dip Coating. Process of finishing an article by immersing it in finishing material.  
Dip of a Trap. The lowest portion of the inside top surface of the channel through a plumbing trap; compare with Weir of a Trap.  
Dipentene. Solvent made by destructive distillation of pine stumps; is stronger than turpentine.  
Direct Burial Cable. Electrical cable that is suitable for burial directly in the earth without being in a conduit.  
Direct Burial Conduit. Electric conduit suitable for burial in exterior applications with an outer surface that resists moisture, fungus, and corrosion.  
Direct Costs. Costs which may readily be attached or directly related to the unit of production.  
Direct Current (DC). An electric current, of constant voltage, flowing in one direction only.  
Direct Drive Fan. A fan that is positively connected in line to a motor to operate at the same speed.  
Direct Examination. Questions directed to a friendly witness.  
Direct Expansion (DX). Interior air cooled by directly passing over an evaporator in which refrigerant is expanding from a fixed reference point.  

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