Here are definitions of industry words and common terms you may have seen across our website. We have defined the phrases ourself but have used a dictionary and library journals to help.

Please note that these are not full definitions, and only aim to serve as a basic guide to help your understanding of the word or phrase.

A – D | E – H | I – L | M – P | Q – T | U – X | Y – Z

A – D

Augmented reality –

using a computer to merge a simulation with physical reality.

Blog –

abbreviation of weblog, it is an online publishing system which has evolved from the virtual version of a diary.

Blu-ray disc –

optical storage medium for video programs. It gets its name because it uses blue lasers instead of red which DVDs use.

Cantankerous –

a manner of behaviour which has negative emotions such as being irritable, stubborn, awkward and rude.

Computer geek –

individuals who know vast amounts of information related to computers.

E – H

Electronic publishing –

the distribution of content which is held completely virtually, it can be distributed in many ways including via a website, RSS feed or email.

Future –

a time of events that have yet to occur.

Gadget –

any device or machine which is created to do a particular job, in current times gadgets are usually electronic or based around modern technology.

HD resolution –

number of pixels a HDTV contains. It has a link to picture quality, along with other factors such as contrast ratio.

HDMI connection –

this is what connects two compatible components. Can be single-link or dual-link.

I – L

Internet Browser –

the software you use to surf the internet, this is what allows you to view websites on your computer.

iPod –

a brand (reg trademark) of personal audio and video player by the technology company Apple Inc.

Kaboodle –

the whole collection of something, hence the phrase “the whole kaboodle”.

M – P

Mazda –

well established car maker from Japan, founded back in 1920 by Jujiro Matsuda.

Microwave oven –

kitchen appliance popular in developed countries. The device allows food or fluids to be heated using microwave energy.

MP3 format –

used for audio storage for transfer & playback. Designed to significantly reduce the quantity of data which is required to represent the audio & still sound high quality.

Pacemaker of the heart –

the natural bundle of cells which tell the heart when to beat. This is what sets the pace of your heartbeat.

PC monitor –

hardware used as part of a ‘personal computer’. It is the visual display unit.

Portable hard drive –

a piece of hardware that is plugged into an external port of a computer. Normally used for backup and then removed.

Prius –

a brand (reg trademark) of car by the vehicle manufacturing company Toyota Motor Corporation. It was the first ever mass-produced hybrid car.

Q – T

Quasi –

when something has a similarity or resemblance of something else.

Sat nav –

a gadget that uses a locator device to track the movements of the car it is in.

Seldom –

when something happens rarely, not very often, infrequently.

Tech –

an abbreviation of the dictionary word ‘technology’, a collection of information and techniques from science and craft working together.

Tech savvy –

when a person has a high level of understanding of technology and how to operate it.

U – X

Unconventional –

when someone or something doesn’t conform to the conventionally recognised standards or rules.

If there is another word not explained please email us asking ‘what is’ and we will add it to the page.