Science and SF Glossary ~ D - J
~D~
- Data
- The proper name of the android character in the Star Trek: The Next Generation series and movies.
- data
- something given or admitted as a basis for reasoning of inference.
-
NOTE: data is actually a plural word, and in older works is correctly written "the data are conclusive..." Modern usage allows the word to be both singular and plural (rather like deer).
The singular is datum.
- dwarf (star, sun)
- a star of small mass, high density and low luminosity, named according to its color (red dwarf, white dwarf...)
~E~
- event horizon
- the surface of a black hole: the boundary of a black hole beyond which nothing can escape from within it.
- extraterrestrial(s) (ET)
- That which exists, originates, or occurs outside of the earth's atmosphere.
- SF - Sentient beings from beyond Earth's atmosphere.
- extremophile
- a specifically adapted organism/inhabitant of an extreme environment that would be toxic or deadly to others species
~F~
- forerunner
- one that precedes and indicates the approach of another
[as found in Asimov, Anderson and other SF writers] That person or persons who pave the way for another's existence or accomplishment.
~G~
- galaxy
- any of the large assemblages of stars and associated matter found throughout the universe.
- Galaxy (with uppercase "G") refers to the Milky Way. [See also nebula]
- graviton
- A hypothetical particle with zero charge and rest mass that is held to be the quantum of the gravitational field.
~H~
- hardwired
- implemented in the form of (or as if by) permanent electronic circuits
- humanoid(s)
- having human form or characteristics, an immediate kindred of man.
- hyper-space
- SF-- from Asimov's Foundation "that unimaginable region that was neither space nor time, matter nor energy, something nor nothing"
~I~
- inner sector
- the space found between an anomaly (such as asteroid belts) and the sun
- interstellar
- located, taking place, or traveling among the stars
~J~
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