A: ? (Alpha) Amp or Ampere

? (alpha)

Average percentage change in resistance per degree of pure metal resistance of device between 0 C and 100 C. Usually designated by the Greek letter alpha, with units of W/W/ C.

aberration

Deviation from ideal behavior by a lens, optical system, or optical component. Aberration exists in all optical systems, and designers must make trade-offs among the different types depending on how much aberration they will tolerate.

ABI

Application Binary Interface; to run without porting.

abnormally distributed uncertainty

In the ISA recommended practice ISA-RP67.04.02-2000 this term denotes uncertainties that do not have a normal distribution.

abort

In data processing, to terminate a computer operation before its normal conclusion.

abrasion

1. The act of removing surface material from a substance through sliding or rolling contact with the hard particles made of the same or another substance. The particles themselves may be loose or part of another surface brought into contact with the first. 2. A surface blemish caused by roughening or scratching.

abrasive

1. Particulate matter, usually having sharp edges or points, that can be used to shape and finish workpieces in grinding, honing, lapping, polishing, blasting, or tumbling processes. Depending on the process, abrasives may be loose, formed into solid shapes, glued to paper or cloth, or suspended in a paste, slurry, or air stream. 2. Any substance capable of removing material from a surface through the act of abrasion. 3. A material formed into a solid mass, usually fired or sintered, and used...