A Dictionary of Physics PDF

Preface

This dictionary was originally derived from the Concise Science Dictionary, first published by Oxford University Press in 1984 (fifth edition, retitled A Dictionary of Science, 2005). It consisted of all the entries relating to physics in the Concise Science Dictionary, together with those entries relating to astronomy that are required for an understanding of astrophysics and many entries that relate to physical chemistry. It also included a selection of the words used in mathematics that are relevant to physics, as well as the key words in metal science, computing, and electronics. Subsequent editions have been expanded by the addition of many more entries, including short biographies of important physical scientists; several chronologies tracing the history of some of the key areas in physics; and a number of special one- or two-page feature articles on important topics. For this sixth edition the text has been revised, many entries have been expanded, and over 240 new entries have been added covering all branches of the subject. In addition, three extra feature articles have been included, and the Appendix has been expanded with extra sections on Nobel prizes in physics and a Chronology of key dates. The more chemical aspects of physical chemistry and the chemistry itself will be found in A Dictionary of Chemistry, and biological aspects of biophysics are more fully covered in A Dictionary of Biology, which are companion volumes to this dictionary.

An asterisk placed before a word used in an entry indicates that this word can be looked up in the dictionary and will provide further explanation or clarification. However, not every word that appears in the dictionary has an asterisk placed before it. Some entries simply refer the reader to another entry, indicating either that they are synonyms or abbreviations or that they are most conveniently explained in one of the dictionary's longer articles or features. Synonyms and abbreviations are usually placed within brackets immediately after the headword. Terms that are explained within an entry are highlighted by being printed in boldface type.