Engineering Design Terms

adverb approximately is an adverb that is used to indicate an estimated or rough amount or number.

preposition It can also act as a preposition when used to show an estimated position or direction.

• The project is expected to be completed in approximately six months.
• I'll be there in approximately 10 minutes.
• I've been waiting for approximately forever.
• Her patience was wearing thin, she was approximately ready to explode.

noun a mathematical determination of the size or number of something

adjective relating to or involving calculations

• The calculation of the company's annual revenue requires a thorough analysis of financial statements.
• I did the calculation for splitting the bill at the restaurant last night.
• I'm terrible at math, so I always use a calculator for any calculations I need to do.
• The calculation of risk versus reward is crucial in making investment decisions.

noun a simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something; a chart or plan

• The textbook includes a detailed diagram of the human respiratory system.
• I found a cool diagram online that explains how the internet works.
• Check out this sick diagram I made to show how the project will flow.
• Her speech painted a vivid diagram of the struggles she had overcome in her life.

noun a preliminary version of a piece of writing, a plan, or a document

verb to prepare a preliminary version of a piece of writing, a plan, or a document

adjective referring to something preliminary or in the process of being finalized

preposition used in phrases like 'draft of' or 'draft for' to indicate the purpose or subject of the draft

• The committee reviewed the initial draft of the proposal before making any revisions.
• I'll need to finish up this draft before I can relax for the evening.
• I whipped up a rough draft of my essay last night.
• She felt like a rough draft of herself until she found her true calling.

noun the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage

• The durability of the materials used in this building ensures it will last for many years.
• I bought this phone because of its durability; I drop it all the time and it's still working perfectly.
• That jacket is so durable, it can handle anything you throw at it.
• The durability of their friendship was tested through thick and thin, and they always remained strong.

noun a regular oval shape, traced by a point moving in a plane so that the sum of its distances from two other points (the foci) is constant, or resulting when a cone is cut by an oblique plane that does not intersect the base

• The shape of the orbit of a planet around the sun is an ellipse.
• I drew an ellipse for the base of the vase I'm designing.
• That oval-shaped pool is actually an ellipse.
• Her path to success was not a straight line but more of an ellipse, with ups and downs along the way.

noun An approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something

verb To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something

• The project manager provided a detailed estimate of the costs involved.
• I tried to estimate how much time it would take to finish the assignment.
• I can only give you a rough estimate of how many people will show up to the party.
• She could only estimate the depth of his emotions towards her.

adjective not exact or precise; not completely accurate

• The data collected from the survey may be inexact due to a margin of error.
• Her estimate of the cost was inexact, but it was close enough for planning purposes.
• I made an inexact guess on the number of people at the party.
• His memory of the event was inexact, with some details being exaggerated over time.

noun a structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-shaped gaps left between, used as a screen or fence or as a support for climbing plants

• The lattice structure of the crystal was carefully examined under the electron microscope.
• I love sitting under the lattice on the patio during the summer.
• Check out the lattice on that fence, it's so cool!
• The lattice of relationships within the company's hierarchy can be complex to navigate.

noun the act or process of permeating or penetrating something

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The permeation of water through the soil is crucial for plant growth.
• Water permeates through the soil to help plants grow.
• Water seeps through the soil to nourish the plants.
• The permeation of ideas through society can lead to cultural change.

adjective Precise is an adjective that describes something exact, accurate, or specific.

• It is crucial to provide precise measurements in scientific research.
• Make sure you give me the precise details about the event.
• I need the exact deets, be precise!
• Her words were as precise as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through the confusion.

noun a prolongation of a sound; resonance

adjective reverberant (related to or characterized by reverberation)

• The reverberation of the sound could be heard throughout the entire concert hall.
• The reverberation in this room is crazy, it's so echoey!
• The reverberation in here is giving me major vibes.
• The reverberation of his actions had a lasting impact on the community.

adjective explaining itself without needing further clarification or explanation

• The instructions provided are self-explanatory and should be easy to follow.
• Just take a look at the diagram, it's pretty self-explanatory.
• You don't need me to explain, it's self-explanatory.
• Her actions were self-explanatory, revealing her true intentions.

noun the study or detailed description of the surface features of a region

• The study of the topography of the land revealed interesting geological formations.
• The topography of this area is pretty cool to explore.
• Check out the crazy topography of this place!
• The emotional topography of her mind was complex and difficult to navigate.