39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
W
WADEX See: word and author index.
wait (test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment) A pro-
grammed instruction that causes an automatic test system to
remain in a given state for a predetermined period.
(MIL) [2]
waiting, call See: call waiting.
waiting-passenger indicator (elevators) An indicator that
shows at which landings and for which direction elevator-hall
stop or signal calls have been registered and are unanswered.
See also: control. (EEC/PE) [119]
wait packet A packet with four high flags and four undefined
data bytes, typically output by the controller after a standBy
packet has been output. (C/MM) 1596.4-1996
wait state A condition in which a device or component is idle;
for example, a central processor that is waiting for some event
and not executing instructions. (C) 610.10-1994w
wait timeout period The time a master will wait after recog-
nizing WT (wait) before terminating the connection.
(NID) 960-1993
waiver (1) (nuclear power quality assurance) Documented
authorization to depart from specified requirements.
(PE/NP) [124]
(2) (software) A written authorization to accept a configu-
ration item or other designated item that, during production
or after having been submitted for inspection, is found to
depart from specified requirements, but is nevertheless con-
sidered suitable for use as is or after rework by an approved
method. Contrast: deviation; engineering change. See also:
configuration control. (C) 610.12-1990
wake packet A packet with two low and two high flags as well
as four undefined data bytes, typically generated by the pro-
cessing of idle packets when leaving the standBy mode.
(C/MM) 1596.4-1996
walk (1) (shaped pulse) The change in a timing point that oc-
curs when the pulse height changes. (NPS) 300-1988r
(2) (in a pulse) The change in the timing (with respect to the
initiating event) of a reference point on a pulse caused by a
change in pulse amplitude. (NPS) 325-1996
walkie-talkie A two-way radio communication set designed to
be carried by one person, usually strapped over the back, and
capable of operation while in motion. See also: radio trans-
mission. (EEC/PE) [119]
walk-off mode (laser maser) A mode characterized by succes-
sive shifts per reflection in the location of a maximum in the
transverse field intensity. See also: transverse mode.
(LEO) 586-1980w
walkout of reverse drain breakdown (metal-nitride-oxide
field-effect transistor) An effect where the reverse current/
voltage characteristic of the drain junction changes with time
toward larger voltages as a function of applied bias. This ef-
fect is generally reversible. (ED) 581-1978w
walk-through (1) (software) A static analysis technique in
which a designer or programmer leads members of the de-
velopment team and other interested parties through a seg-
ment of documentation or code, and the participants ask ques-
tions and make comments about possible errors, violation of
development standards, and other problems.
(C) 610.12-1990
(2) A static analysis technique in which a designer or pro-
grammer leads members of the development team and other
interested parties through a software product, and the partic-
ipants ask questions and make comments about possible er-
rors, violation of development standards, and other problems.
(C/SE) 1028-1997
wall bushing (1) A bushing intended primarily to carry a circuit
through a wall or other grounded barrier in a substantially
horizontal position. Both ends must be suitable for operating
in air. See also: bushing. (Std100) 49-1948w
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(2) A bushing intended to be mounted on the wall (roof) of a
building such as a Converter Valve Hall. Note: A wall or roof
bushing may be outdoor, outdoor-indoor, or indoor bushing.
(PE/TR) C57.19.03-1996
wall clock A clock that is on the wall. Note: A wall clock is
typically referred to in order to demonstrate the difference
between system time and real time. Synonym: wall time. See
also: time-of-day clock. (C) 610.10-1994w
wall-mounted oven An oven for cooking purposes designed for
mounting in or on a wall or other surface and consisting of
one or more heating elements, internal wiring, and built-in or
separately mountable controls. See also: counter-mounted
cooking unit. (NESC/NEC) [86]
wall telephone set A telephone set arranged for wall mounting.
See also: telephone station. (EEC/PE) [119]
wall time See: wall clock.
WAN See: wide area network.
wander (telecommunications) The long-term variations of the
significant instants of a digital signal from their ideal position
in time. The phrase “long-term” implies that these variations
are of low frequency, less than 10 Hz. See also: scintillation.
(COM/TA) 1007-1991r
wanted signal A signal that constitutes the object of the partic-
ular measurement or reception. (T&D/PE) 539-1990
warble-tone generator (alarm monitoring and reporting sys-
tems for fossil-fueled power generating stations). An audio-
frequency oscillator, the frequency of which is varied cycli-
cally at a subaudio rate over a fixed range.
(PE/EDPG) 676-1986w
war game (computer graphics) A simulation game in which
participants seek to achieve a specified military objective
given preestablished resources and constraints; for example,
a simulation in which participants make battlefield decisions
and a computer determines the results of those decisions. See
also: management game. (C) 610.3-1989w
warm-start A sequence of events performed to reset a running
system. (C/MM) 1296-1987s
warm-up time (1) (power supplies) The time (after power turn
on) required for the output voltage or current to reach an
equilibrium value within the stability specification.
(AES) [41]
(2) (nuclear power generating station) The time, following
power application to a module, required for the output to sta-
bilize within specifications. (PE/NP) 381-1977w
(3) (accelerometer) (gyros) The time interval required for a
gyro or accelerometer to reach specified performance from
the instant that it is energized, under specified operating con-
ditions. (AES/GYAC) 528-1994
warning Advisory in a software user document that performing
some action will lead to serious or dangerous consequences.
Contrast: caution. (C/SE) 1063-1987r
warning whistle See: audible cab indicator.
WAROM See: word-alterable read-only memory.
warp (navigation aids) (loran) Variations of the propagation
times for loran signals due to the variations of conductivity
over land. Causes errors in the determination of absolute
position. (AES/GCS) 172-1983w
washer See: collar.
Washington See: snatch block.
watchdog timer (1) (supervisory control, data acquisition,
and automatic control) (station control and data acquisi-
tion) A form of interval timer that is used to detect a possible
malfunction. (SWG/PE/SUB) C37.1-1987s, C37.100-1992
(2) A timer that prevents a computer program from looping
endlessly or becoming idle because of program errors or
equipment faults. Note: This is typically implemented by re-
setting the computer if the timer is not refreshed often enough. Short
(C) 610.10-1994w Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
watchman’s reporting system 1270
watchman’s reporting system A supervisory system arranged
for the transmission of a patrolling watchman’s regularly re-
current report signals to a central supervisory agency from
stations along his patrol route. See also: protective signaling.
(EEC/PE) [119]
water-air-cooled machine A machine that is cooled by circu-
lating air that in turn is cooled by circulating water. Note: The
machine is so enclosed as to prevent the free exchange of air
between the inside and outside of the enclosure, but not suf-
ficiently to be termed airtight. It is provided with a water-
cooled heat exchanger for cooling the ventilating air and a
fan or fans, integral with the rotor shaft or separate, for cir-
culating the ventilating air. See also: asynchronous machine.
(PE) [9]
water-blocking tape A nonwoven synthetic tape impregnated
with a swellable powder. Also called a water-swellable tape.
Such tapes may also provide cushioning to absorb expansion
of the cable core and may also be semiconducting.
(PE/IC) 1142-1995
water conditions See: median water conditions; adverse water
conditions; average water conditions.
water-cooled (A) (rotating machinery) A term applied to ap-
paratus cooled by circulating water, the water or water ducts
coming in direct contact with major parts of the apparatus.
(B) (rotating machinery) In certain types of machine, it is
customary to apply this term to the cooling of the major parts
by enclosed air or gas ventilation, where water removes the
heat through an air-to-water or gas-to-water heat exchanger.
See also: asynchronous machine. (PE) [9]
water cooler (rotating machinery) A cooler using water as one
of the fluids. (PE) [9]
water failure A failure in the active, shielded cable length that
is below the waterline and which did not occur as a result of
mechanical damage. (PE/IC) 1407-1998
waterfall model (software) A model of the software develop-
ment process in which the constituent activities, typically a
concept phase, requirements phase, design phase, implemen-
tation phase, test phase, and installation and checkout phase,
are performed in that order, possibly with overlap but with
little or no iteration. Contrast: spiral model; rapid prototyp-
ing; incremental development. (C) 610.12-1990
waterflow-alarm system (protective signaling) An alarm sys-
tem in which signal transmission is initiated automatically by
devices attached to an automatic sprinkler system and actu-
ated by the flow through the sprinkler system pipes of water
in excess of a predetermined maximum. See also: protective
signaling. (EEC/PE) [119]
water hazard The abnormal presence of a quantity of water,
either in the form of condensation, accumulation, flow, or
spray; not postulated to be associated with any design basis
event; and considered likely to cause the loss of desired func-
tion of electric equipment in nuclear power plants if it enters
such equipment. (PE/NP) 833-1988r
water inertia time (hydraulic turbines) A characteristic time,
usually taken at rated conditions, due to inertia of the water
in the water passages from intake to exit defined as:
冕
Tw ⫽ r
Q
gHr
dL
A
⬇ r
Q
gHr
冘 L
A
where
A ⫽ area of each section
L ⫽ corresponding length
Qr ⫽ rated discharge
Hr ⫽ rated head
g ⫽ acceration due to gravity
(PE/EDPG) 125-1977s
waterline failure A failure at the interface between air and the
tank water to include the distance of the total water line vari-
ation. (PE/IC) 1407-1998
water load (high-frequency circuits) A matched termination
in which the electromagnetic energy is absorbed in a stream
of water for the purpose of measuring power by continuous-
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watt (W)
flow calorimetric methods. See also: waveguide.
(AP/ANT) [35], [84]
Waterloo FORTRAN A programming language based on
FORTRAN, characterized by its fast compilation, excellent
diagnostic messages and debugging aids. See also: WATFIV.
(C) 610.13-1993w
Waterloo FORTRAN V (WATFIV) An extension of WAT-
FOR characterized by additional simplifications in the control
(test and looping) constructs and the input/output structure.
(C) 610.13-1993w
water-motor bell A vibrating bell operated by a flow of water
through its water-motor striking mechanism. See also: pro-
tective signaling. (EEC/PE) [119]
waterproof electric blasting cap A cap specially insulated to
secure reliability of firing when used in wet work. See also:
blasting unit. (EEC/PE) [119]
waterproof enclosure An enclosure constructed so that any
moisture or water leakage that may occur into the enclosure
will not interfere with its successful operation. In the case of
motor or generator enclosures, leakage that may occur around
the shaft may be considered permissible provided it is pre-
vented from entering the oil reservoir and provision is made
for automatically draining the motor or generator enclosure.
(IA/MT) 45-1998
waterproof machine (rotating machinery) A machine so con-
structed that water directed on it under prescribed conditions
cannot cause interference with satisfactory operation. See
also: asynchronous machine. (PE) [9]
water resistivity Resistance of water is expressed in
cm or

in. (T&D/PE) 957-1995
watertight (1) So constructed that moisture will not enter the
enclosure. (NESC/NEC) [86]
(2) (power and distribution transformers) So constructed
that water will not enter the enclosing case under specified
conditions. Note: A common form of specification for water-
tight is: “So constructed that there shall be no leakage of water
into the enclosure when subjected to a stream from a hose
with a one-in nozzle and delivering at least 65 gal/min, with
the water directed at the enclosure from a distance of not less
than 10 ft for a period of five min, during which period the
water may be directed in one or more directions as desired.”
(PE/TR) C57.12.80-1978r
watertight door-control system A system of control for power-
operated watertight doors providing individual local control
of each door and, at a remote station in or adjoining the wheel-
house, individual control of any door, collective control of all
doors, and individual indication of open or closed condition.
See also: marine electric apparatus. (EEC/PE) [119]
watertight enclosure An enclosure constructed so that a stream
of water from a hose not less than 25 mm (1 in) in diameter
under a head of 10 m (35 ft) from a distance of 3 m (10 ft)
can be played on the enclosure from any direction for a period
of 15 min without leakage. The hose nozzle shall have a uni-
form inside diameter of 25 mm (1 in). (IA/MT) 45-1998
water treatment equipment (thyristor) Any apparatus such as
deionizers, electrolytic targets, filters, or other devices em-
ployed to control electrolysis, corrosion, scaling, or clogging
in water systems. (IA/IPC) 428-1981w
water vapor The amount of water in parts per million by vol-
ume that is in the gaseous state and mixed with the insulating
gas. Water vapor content may vary with temperature. Syn-
onym: moisture content. (SWG/PE) C37.100-1992
water vapor content The amount of water in parts per million
by volume (ppmv) that is in the gaseous state and mixed with
the insulating gas. Synonym: moisture content.
(SWG/SUB/PE) C37.122-1993, C37.122.1-1993,
C37.100-1992
WATFIV See: Waterloo FORTRAN V.
WATS See: wide area telecommunications service.
watt (W) (1) (general) The unit of power in the International Short
System of Units (SI). The watt is the power required to do Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
watt density 1271
work at the rate of one joule per second.
(Std100) 270-1966w
(2) (laser maser) The unit of power, or radiant flux.
(LEO) 586-1980w
watt density (electrical heat tracing for industrial applica-
tions) Thermal output of heating cable in watts per unit area.
(BT/AV) 152-1953s
watthour 3600 joules. (Std100) 270-1966w
watthour capacity (storage battery) (storage cell) The num-
ber of watthours that can be delivered under specified con-
ditions as to temperature, rate of discharge, and final voltage.
See also: battery. (EEC/PE) [119]
watthour constant (watthour meter) The registration, ex-
pressed in watthours, corresponding to one revolution of the
rotor. Note: It is commonly denoted by the symbol Kh. When
a meter is used with instrument transformers, the watthour
constant is expressed in terms of primary watthours. For a
secondary test of such a meter, the constant is the primary
watthour constant divided by the product of the nominal ratios
of transformation. (ELM) C12.1-1982s
watthour-demand meter A watthour meter and a demand
meter combined as a single unit. See also: electricity meter.
(EEC/PE) [119]
watthour efficiency (storage battery) (storage cell) The en-
ergy efficiency expressed as the ratio of the watthours output
to the watthours of the recharge. See also: charge.
(PE/EEC) [119]
watthour meter An electricity meter that measures and regis-
ters the integral, with respect to time, of the active power of
the circuit in which it is connected. This power integral is the
energy delivered to the circuit during the interval over which
the integration extends, and the unit in which it is measured
is usually the kilowatthour. See also: class designation; heavy
load; rated voltage; load range; percentage error; rated cur-
rent; basic current range; stator; register ratio; light load;
reference performance; test current; watthour constant; load
current; motor-type watthour meter; adjustment; two-rate
watthour meter; registration; register constant; basic voltage
range; portable standard watthour meter; rotor; form desig-
nation; induction; percentage registration; creep; gear ratio;
register. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— adjustment Adjustment of internal controls
to bring the percentage registration of the meter to within
specified limits. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— basic current range The current range of a
multirange standard watthour meter designated by the man-
ufacturer for the adjustment of the meter (normally the 5 A
range). (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— basic voltage range The voltage range of a
multirange standard watthour meter designated by the man-
ufacturer for the adjustment of the meter (normally the 120
V range). (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— class designation The maximum of the load
range in amperes. See also: watthour meter— load range.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— creep A continuous motion of the rotor of a
meter with normal operating voltage applied and the load ter-
minals open-circuited. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— form designation An alphanumeric desig-
nation denoting the circuit arrangement for which the meter
is applicable and its specific terminal arrangement. The same
designation is applicable to equivalent meters of all manu-
facturers. (ELM) C12.10-1987
watthour meter— gear ratio The number of revolutions of the
rotor for one revolution of the first dial pointer, commonly
denoted by the symbol Rg. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— heavy load See: watthour meter— test
current.
watthour meter— induction A motor-type meter in which cur-
rents induced in the rotor interact with a magnetic field to
produce the driving torque. (ELM) C12.1-1988
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watthour meter— registration
watthour meter— light load The current at which the meter is
adjusted to bring its response near the lower end of the load
range to the desired value. It is usually 10% of the test current
for a revenue meter and 25% for a standard meter.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— load current See: watthour meter— test
current.
watthour meter— load range The maximum range in amperes
over which the meter is designed to operate continuously with
a specified accuracy under specified conditions.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— motor type A motor in which the speed of
the rotor is proportional to the power, with a readout device
that counts the revolutions of the rotor.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— percentage error The difference between
its percentage registration and 100%. A meter whose per-
centage registration is 95% is said to be 5% slow, or its error
is ⫺5%. A meter whose percentage registration is 105% is
5% fast, or its error is ⫹5%. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthhour meter— percentage registration The percentage
registration of a meter is the ratio of the actual registration of
the meter to the true value of the quantity measured in a given
time, expressed as a percentage. (ELM) C12.1-1981
watthour meter— portable standard A portable meter, prin-
cipally used as a standard for testing other meters. It is usually
provided with several current and voltage ranges and with a
readout indicating revolutions and fractions of a revolution of
the rotor. Note: Electronic portable standards not using a rotor
may have a readout indicating equivalent revolutions and
fractions of revolutions or other units, such as percentage reg-
istration. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— rated current The nameplate current for
each range of a standard watthour meter. Note: The main
adjustment of the meter is ordinarily made with rated current
on the basic current range. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— rated voltage The nameplate voltage for a
meter or for each range of a standard watthour meter. Note:
The main adjustment of the standard meter is ordinarily made
with rated voltage on the basic voltage range.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— reference performance Performance at
specified reference conditions for each test, used as a basis
for comparison with performances under other conditions of
the test. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— reference standard A meter used to main-
tain the unit of electric energy. It is usually designed and
operated to obtain the highest accuracy and stability in a con-
trolled laboratory environment. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— register That part of the meter that registers
the revolutions of the rotor, or the number of pulses received
from or transmitted to a meter, in terms of units of electric
energy or other quantity measured. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— register constant The multiplier used to
convert the register reading to kilowatthours (or other suitable
units). Note: This constant, commonly denoted by the sym-
bol, Kr, takes into consideration the watthour constant, gear
ratio, and instrument transformer ratios.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— register ratio The number of revolutions of
the first gear of the register, for one revolution of the first dial
pointer. Note: This is commonly denoted by the symbol, Rr.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— registration The registration of a meter is
the apparent amount of electric energy (or other quantity be-
ing measured) that has passed through the meter, as shown
by the register reading. It is equal to the product of the register
reading and the register constant. The registration during a
given period is equal to the product of the register constant
and the difference between the register readings at the begin- Short
ning and the end of the period. (ELM) C12.1-1988 Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES BATCH

watthour meter— rotor 1272 waveform epoch

watthour meter— rotor That part of the meter that is directly
driven by electromagnetic action. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— standard See: watthour meter— portable
standard; watthour meter— reference standard.
watthour meter— stator An assembly of an induction watth-
our meter, which consists of a voltage circuit, one or more
current circuits, and a combined magnetic circuit so arranged
that their joint effect, when energized, is to exert a driving
torque on the rotor by the reaction with currents induced in
an individual or common conducting disk.
(ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— test current (TA) The current specified by
the manufacturer for the main adjustment of the meter (heavy-
or full-load adjustment). Notes: 1. It has been identified as
“TA” on revenue meters manufactured since 1960. 2. The
main adjustment of a meter used with a current transformer
may be made either at the test current or at the rated secondary
current of the transformer. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— two-rate A meter having two sets of register
dials with a changeover arrangement such that integration of
the quantity will be registered on one set of dials during a
specified time each day and on the other set of dials for the
remaining time. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watthour meter— watthour constant The registration, ex-
pressed in watthours, corresponding to one revolution of the
rotor. Note: It is commonly denoted by the symbol Kh. When
a meter is used with instrument transformers, the watthour
constant is expressed in terms of primary watthours. For a
secondary test of such a meter, the constant is the primary
watthour constant divided by the product of the nominal ratios
of transformation. (ELM) C12.1-1988
watt loss See: power loss.
wattmeter An instrument for measuring the magnitude of the
active power in an electric circuit. It is provided with a scale
usually graduated in either watts, kilowatts, or megawatts. If
the scale is graduated in kilowatts or megawatts, the instru-
ment is usually designated as a kilowattmeter or megawatt-
meter. See also: instrument. (EEC/PE) [119]
wattsecond constant (meter) The registration in wattseconds
corresponding to one revolution of the rotor. Note: The watt-
second constant is 3600 times the watthour constant and is
commonly denoted by the symbol Ks. See also: electricity
meter. (EEC/PE) [119]
wave (1) (A) (data transmission) A disturbance that is a func-
tion of time or space or both. (B) (data transmission) A
disturbance propagated in a medium or through space. Notes:
1. Any physical quantity that has the same relationship to
some independent variable (usually time) that a propagated
disturbance has, at a particular instant, with respect to space,
may be called a wave. 2. Disturbance, in this definition, is
used as a generic term indicating not only mechanical dis-
placement but also voltage, current, electric field strength,
temperature, etc. (C) (data transmission) (electric circuit).
The variation of current, potential, or power at any point in
the electric circuit. See also: wave tilt; ground-reflected wave;
tropospheric wave; continuous wave; ground wave; wave fil-
(4) The variation with time of current, potential, or power at
any point in an electric circuit.
(SPD/PE) C62.11-1999, C62.62-2000
wave analyzer An electric instrument for measuring the ampli-
tude and frequency of the various components of a complex
current or voltage wave. See also: instrument.
(EEC/PE) [119]
wave antenna See: Beverage antenna.
wave clutter Clutter caused by echoes from waves of the sea.
See also: radar. (EEC/PE) [119]
wave-division multiplexing (WDM) A multiplexing technique
used in optical fiber transmission systems that defines multi-
ple paths on the fiber by using different wavelengths (colors)
of light for each channel. See also: time-division multiplex-
ing. (C) 610.7-1995
wave filter (data transmission) A transducer for separating
waves on the basis of their frequency. Note: A filter intro-
duces relatively small insertion loss to waves in one or more
frequency bands and relatively large insertion loss to waves
of other frequencies. (PE) 599-1985w
waveform (1) (pulse waveform) (transition waveform) (pulse
terminology) A manifestation or representation (that is,
graph, plot, oscilloscope presentation, equation(s), table of
coordinate or statistical data, etc.) or a visualization of a wave,
pulse, or transition. Notes: 1. The term pulse waveform is
included in the term waveform. 2. The term transition wave-
form is included in the terms pulse waveform and waveform.
(IM/WM&A) 194-1977w
(2) A stream of defined events containing both state and tim-
ing information. (C/TT) 1450-1999
waveform-amplitude distortion Nonlinear distortion in the
special case where the desired relationship is direct propor-
tionality between input and output. Note: Also sometimes
called ”amplitude distortion.” See also: nonlinear distortion.
(Std100) 154-1953w
Waveform and Vector Exchange Specification (WAVES) A
standardized computer language used to describe digital test
vectors. (ATLAS) 1226-1993s
waveform distortion (1) (oscilloscopes) A displayed deviation
from the representation of the input reference signal. See also:
oscillograph. (IM/HFIM) [40]
(2) (oscilloscopes) A displayed deviation from the correct
representation of the input reference signal. See also: oscil-
lograph. (IM) 311-1970w
waveform distortion— percent The ratio of the root-means-
quare value of the harmonic content (excluding the funda-
mental) to the root-mean-square value of the nonsinusoidal
quantity, expressed as a percentage. (ELM) C12.1-1988
waveform epoch (pulse terminology) The span of time for
which waveform data are known or knowable. A waveform
epoch manifested by equations may extend in time from mi-
nus infinity to plus infinity or, like all waveform data, may
extend from a first datum time, t0, to a second datum time, t1.
(See the corresponding figure.)
IMAGE PULSE TOP PULSE
ORIGIN START CENTER STOP
LINE LINE POINT LINE
TOP LINE
DISTAL LINE

ter; square wave; wave interference; rectangular wave; tan- DISTAL TOP
CENTER
DISTAL
LAST
gential wave path. (PE/AP/ANT) 599-1985, 145-1983 FIRST
TRANSITION
MESIAL
LINE
MESIAL
TRANSITION
POINTS

(2) (overhead-power-line corona and radio noise) A dis- TOP

MAGNITUDE
POINTS MISIAL LINE

turbance propagated in a medium. Note: “Disturbance” in this PROXIMAL

PULSE
definition is used as a generic term indicating not only me- AMPLITUDE PROXIMAL

chanical displacement but also voltage, current, electric field PROXIMAL LINE

strength, temperature, etc. Any physical quantity that has the BASE LINE
FIRST FIRST LAST LAST
same relationship to some independent variable (usually time) BASE BASE TRANSITOR
POINT MAGNITUDE DURATION
TRANSITION
DURATION OFFSET
BASE
POINT
as a propagated disturbance, (at a particular instance) with PULSE START TIME PULSE DURATION
PULSE STOP TIME
respect to space, may be called a wave.
(T&D/PE) 539-1990 MAGNITUDE ORIGIN LINE
PULSE WAVEFORM EPOCH
(3) (pulse terminology) A modification of the physical state
The single pulse.
of a medium that propagates in the medium as a function of
time as a result of one or more disturbances. waveform epoch Short
(IM/WM&A) 194-1977w (IM/WM&A) 194-1977w Stand
Long

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39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
waveform epoch contraction 1273
waveform epoch contraction (pulse measurement) A tech-
nique for the determination of the characteristics of individual
pulse waveforms (or pulse waveform features) wherein the
waveform epoch (or pulse waveform epoch) is contracted in
time to a pulse waveform epoch (or transition waveform ep-
och) for the determination of time or magnitude characteris-
tics. In any waveform epoch contraction procedure two or
more sets of time or magnitude reference lines may exist, and
the set of reference lines being used in any pulse measurement
process shall be specified. (IM/WM&A) 181-1977w
waveform epoch expansion (pulse measurement) A technique
for the determination of the characteristics of a transition
waveform (or pulse waveform) wherein the transition wave-
form epoch (or pulse waveform epoch) is expanded in time
to a pulse waveform epoch (or waveform epoch) for the de-
termination of magnitude or time reference lines. The refer-
ence lines determined by analysis of the pulse waveform (or
waveform) are transferred to the transition waveform (or
pulse waveform) for the determination of characteristics. In
any waveform epoch expansion procedure two or more sets
of reference lines may exist, and the set of reference lines
being used in any pulse measurement process shall be spec-
ified. (IM/WM&A) 181-1977w
waveform formats Waveforms may exist, be recorded, or be
stored in a variety of formats. It is assumed that: A) waveform
formats are in terms of Cartesian coordinates, or some trans-
form thereof; B) conversion from one waveform format to
any other is possible; and C) such waveform format conver-
sions can be made with precision, accuracy, and resolution
that is consistent with the accuracy desired in the pulse meas-
urement process. (IM/WM&A) 181-1977w
waveform influence of root-mean-square responding instru-
ments The change in indication produced in an RMS re-
sponding instrument by the presence of harmonics in the al-
ternating electrical quantity under measurement. In
magnitude, it is the deviation between an indicated RMS
value of an alternating electrical quantity and the indication
produced by the measurement of a pure sine-wave form of
equal RMS value. See also: instrument. (EEC/AII) [102]
waveforms produced by continuous time superposition of
simpler waveforms See: square wave; pulse train time-re-
lated definitions; pulse train.
waveforms produced by magnitude superposition See: offset;
composite waveform; offset waveform.
waveforms produced by noncontinuous time superposition
of simpler waveforms See: pulse burst; pulse burst time-
related definitions.
waveforms produced by operations on waveforms (pulse ter-
minology) All envelope definitions in this section are based
on the cubic natural spline (or its related approximation, the
draftsman’s spline) with knots at specified points. All burst
envelopes extend in time from the first to the last knots spec-
ified, the remainder of the waveform being: A) that portion
of the waveform that precedes the first knot; and B) that por-
tion of the waveform that follows the last knot. Burst enve-
lopes and their adjacent waveform bases, taken together, com-
prise a continuous waveform that has a continuous first
derivative except at the first and last knots of the envelope.
See also: pulse burst top envelope; pulse-train top (base) en-
velope; pulse burst base envelope.
(IM/WM&A) 194-1977w
waveform pulse A waveform or a portion of a waveform con-
taining one or more pulses or some portion of a pulse. See
also: pulse. (IM/HFIM) [40]
waveform reference A specified waveform, not necessarily
ideal, relative to which waveform measurements, derivations,
and definitions may be referred. (IM/HFIM) [40]
waveform test (rotating machinery) A test in which the wave-
form of any quantity associated with a machine is recorded.
See also: asynchronous machine. (PE) [9]
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waveguide differential phase circulator
wavefront (1) (fiber optics) The locus of points having the
same phase at the same time. (Std100) 812-1984w
(2) (impulse in a conductor) That part (in time or distance)
between the virtual-zero point and the point at which the im-
pulse reaches its crest value. (T&D/PE) [10]
(3) (of a surge or impulse) The part that occurs prior to the
crest value. (SPD/PE) C62.11-1999, C62.62-2000
(4) (of an impulse) That part of an impulse that occurs prior
to the crest value. (SPD/PE) C62.22-1997
waveguide (1) (waveguide terms) A system of material bound-
aries or structures for guiding electromagnetic waves. Usually
such a system is used for guiding waves in other than TEM
modes. Often, and originally, a hollow metal pipe for guiding
electromagnetic waves. See also: transmission line.
(MTT) 146-1980w
(2) (A) (data transmission) Broadly, a system of material
boundaries capable of guiding electromagnetic waves.
(B) (data transmission) More specifically, a transmission
line comprising a hollow conducting tube within which elec-
tromagnetic waves may be propagated or a solid dielectric or
dielectric-filled conductor for the same purpose. (C) (data
transmission) A system of material boundaries or structures
for guiding transverse-electromagnetic mode, often and orig-
inally a hollow metal pipe for guiding electromagnetic waves.
(PE) 599-1985
(3) A metal tube used to transmit microwaves.
(C) 610.7-1995
(4) Metallic or dielectric structures, usually uniform in the
longitudinal direction, that are capable of guiding waves.
(AP/PROP) 211-1997
waveguide adapter (waveguide components) A structure used
to interconnect two waveguides that differ in size or type. If
the modes of propagation also differ, the adapter functions as
a mode transducer. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide attenuator (waveguide components) A waveguide
component that reduces the output power relative to the input
by any means, including absorption and reflection. See also:
waveguide. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide bend (waveguide components) A section of wave-
guide or transmission line in which the direction of the lon-
gitudinal axis is changed. In common usage the waveguide
corner formed by an abrupt change in direction is considered
to be a bend. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide calorimeter (waveguide components) A wave-
guide or transmission line structure that uses the temperature
rise in a medium as a measure of absorbed power. The me-
dium, typically water or a thermoelectric element, is either
the power-absorbing agent or has heat transferred to it from
a power-absorbing element. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide circulator (nonlinear, active, and nonreciprocal
waveguide components) A passive waveguide device of
three or more ports in which the ports can be numbered in
such an order that, when power is fed into any port, the power
is transferred to the next sequentially numbered port. The first
port is counted as following the last in order.
(MTT) 457-1982w
waveguide component A device designed to be connected at
specified ports in a waveguide system. (MTT) 148-1959w
waveguide connector (fixed and variable attenuators) A me-
chanical device, excluding an adapter, for electrically joining
separable parts of a waveguide or transmission-line system.
(IM/HFIM) 474-1973w
waveguide corner See: waveguide bend.
waveguide cutoff frequency See: cutoff frequency.
waveguide differential phase circulator (nonlinear, active,
and nonreciprocal waveguide components) A waveguide
circulator based on the use of at least one nonreciprocal dif-
ferential insertion phase element or gyrator, usually in con-
nection with other waveguide components such as microwave Short
hybrid junctions. (MTT) 457-1982w Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
waveguide dispersion 1274
waveguide dispersion (fiber optics) For each mode in an op-
tical waveguide, the term used to describe the process by
which an electromagnetic signal is distorted by virtue of the
dependence of the phase and group velocities on wavelength
as a consequence of the geometric properties of the wave-
guide. In particular, for circular waveguides, the dependence
is on the ratio (a/), where a is core radius and  is wave-
length. See also: profile dispersion; dispersion; multimode
distortion; material dispersion; distortion.
(Std100) 812-1984w
waveguide Faraday rotation circulator (nonlinear, active,
and nonreciprocal waveguide components) A waveguide
circulator based on the use of a Faraday rotation element in
conjunction with other waveguide components such as dual-
mode transducers. (MTT) 457-1982w
waveguide ferrite isolator (nonlinear, active, and nonrecip-
rocal waveguide components) A waveguide two-port de-
vice, using gyromagnetic material, in which the attenuation
in one direction of propagation is much greater than in the
opposite direction. (MTT) 457-1982w
waveguide gasket (waveguide components) A resilient insert
usually between flanges intended to serve one or more of the
following primary purposes: A) to reduce gas leakage affect-
ing internal waveguide pressure; B) to prevent intrusion of
foreign material into the waveguide; or C) to reduce power
leakage and arcing. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide iris (waveguide components) A partial obstruction
at a transverse cross-section formed by one or more metal
plates of small thickness compared with the wavelength.
(MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide joint A connection between two sections of wave-
guide. See also: waveguide. (IM/HFIM) [40]
waveguide junction circulator (nonlinear, active, and non-
reciprocal waveguide components) A waveguide circulator
based on the use of gyromagnetic material at the common
junction of several waveguides. (MTT) 457-1982w
waveguide matched termination See: matched termination.
waveguide mode (waveguide) In a uniform waveguide, a wave
that is characterized by exponential variation of the fields
along the direction of the guide. Note: In other types of wav-
eguides, such as radial, spherical, toroidal, etc., some partic-
ular variation will have to be specified according to the ge-
ometry. (MTT) 146-1980w
waveguide modes Those spurious modes of a planar transmis-
sion line that are guided by the enclosure or shielding of this
line rather than the transmission line itself.
(MTT) 1004-1987w
waveguide phase shifter (waveguide components) An essen-
tially loss-less device for adjusting the phase of a forward-
traveling electromagnetic wave at the output of the device
relative to the phase at the input. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide post (waveguide components) A cylindrical rod
placed in a transverse plane of the waveguide and behaving
substantially as a shunt susceptance. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide resonator (waveguide components) A waveguide
or transmission-line structure which can store oscillating elec-
tromagnetic energy for time periods that are long compared
with the period of the resonant frequency, at or near the res-
onant frequency. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide scattering (fiber optics) Scattering (other than ma-
terial scattering) that is attributable to variations of geometry
and index profile of the waveguide. See also: scattering; ma-
terial scattering; Rayleigh scattering; nonlinear scattering.
(Std100) 812-1984w
waveguide short circuit, adjustable (waveguide components)
A longitudinally movable obstacle that reflects essentially all
the incident energy. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide step twist (waveguide components) A waveguide
twist formed by abruptly rotating about the waveguide lon-
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wave interference
gitudinal axis one or more waveguide sections, each nomi-
nally a quarter wavelength long. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide stub (waveguide components) A section of wave-
guide or transmission line joined to the main guide or trans-
mission line and containing an essentially nondissipative ter-
mination. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide switch (waveguide system) A device for stopping
or diverting the flow of high-frequency energy as desired. See
also: waveguide. (AP/ANT) [35], [84]
waveguide taper (waveguide components) A section of ta-
pered waveguide. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide termination See: cavity; unloaded applicator
impedance.
waveguide-to-coaxial transition A mode changer for convert-
ing coaxial line transmission to rectangular waveguide trans-
mission. See also: waveguide. (AP/ANT) [35]
waveguide transformer (waveguide components) A structure
added to a waveguide or transmission line for the purpose of
impedance transformation. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide tuner (waveguide components) An adjustable
waveguide transformer. (MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide twist (waveguide components) A waveguide sec-
tion in which there is progressive rotation of the cross-section
about the longitudinal axis. See also: waveguide step twist.
(MTT) 147-1979w
waveguide wavelength (1) (waveguide terms) For a traveling
wave in a uniform waveguide at a given frequency and for a
given mode, the distance along the guide between corre-
sponding points at which a field component (or the voltage
or current) differs in phase by 2 radians.
(MTT) 146-1980w
(2) (data transmission) The distance along a uniform guide
between points at which a field component (or the voltage or
current) differs in phase by 2 radians. Note: It is equal to
the quotient of phase velocity divided by frequency. For a
waveguide with air dielectric, the waveguide wavelength is
given by the formula:

g ⫽
(1 ⫺ (2/c))1/2
where  is the free space wavelength and c is the cutoff
wavelength of the guide. (PE) 599-1985w
waveguide window (waveguide components) A gas- or liquid-
tight barrier or cover designed to be essentially transparent to
the transmission of electromagnetic waves.
(MTT) 147-1979w
wave heater (dielectric heating) A heater in which heating is
produced by energy absorption from a traveling electromag-
netic wave. (IA) 54-1955w
wave heating The heating of a material by energy absorption
from a traveling electromagnetic wave. See also: induction
heating. (IA) 54-1955w
wave impedance (overhead power lines) The complex factor
relating the transverse component of the magnetic field to the
transverse component of the electric field at every point in
any specified plane, for a given mode.
(T&D/PE/MTT) 539-1990, 146-1980w
wave impedance, characteristic See: characteristic wave
impedance.
wave interference (1) (data transmission) The variation of
wave amplitude with distance or time, caused by the super-
position of two or more waves. Notes: 1. As most commonly
used, the term refers to the interference of waves of the same
or nearly the same frequency. 2. Wave interference is char-
acterized by a spatial or temporal distribution of amplitude of
some specified characteristic differing from that of the indi-
vidual superposed waves. (PE) 599-1985w Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
wavelength
(2) The variation of wave amplitude with distance or time,
caused by the superposition of two or more waves of the same
(or very nearly the same) frequency. Note: If the waves have
very nearly the same frequency, they are said to “beat with
each other.” (AP/PROP) 211-1997
wavelength (␭) (1) (laser maser) The distance between two
points in a periodic wave that have the same phase.
(LEO) 586-1980w
(2) (overhead power lines) The distance between points of
corresponding phase of two consecutive cycles of a sinusoidal
wave. The wavelength, , is related to the phase velocity, v,
and the frequency, f , by  ⫽ v/f . (T&D/PE) 539-1990
(3) (of a monochromatic wave) The distance between two
points of corresponding phase of two consecutive cycles in
the direction of the wave normal. The wavelength, , is re-
lated to the magnitude of the phase velocity, vp, and the fre-
quency, f , by the equation:
 ⫽ vp /f
(AP/PROP) 211-1997
(4) (of a monochromatic wave) The distance between two
points of corresponding phase of two consecutive cycles in
the direction of propagation. The wavelength () of an elec-
tromagnetic wave is related to the frequency (f ) and velocity
(v) by the expression v ⫽ f . In free space the velocity of an
electromagnetic wave is equal to the speed of light, i.e., ap-
proximately 3 ⫻ 108 m /s. (NIR) C95.1-1999
wavelength constant See: phase constant.
wavelength division multiplexing (fiber optics) The provision
of two or more channels over a common optical waveguide,
the channels being differentiated by optical wavelength.
(Std100) 812-1984w
wavelength shifter (scintillator) A photofluorescent compound
used with a scintillator material to absorb photons and emit
related photons of a longer wavelength. Note: The purpose is
to cause more efficient use of the photons by the phototube
or photocell. See also: phototube. (NPS) 175-1960w
wavemeter See: cavity resonator frequency meter.
wave normal (1) (waveguide) A unit vector normal to an equi-
phase surface with its positive direction taken on the same
side of the surface as the direction of propagation. In isotropic
media, the wave normal is in the direction of propagation.
(MTT) 146-1980w
(2) (of a traveling wave) The direction normal to an equiphase
surface taken in the direction of increasing phase. See also:
direction of propagation. (AP/PROP) 211-1997
wave number (k) 2 divided by the wavelength in the medium.
(AP/PROP) 211-1997
WAVES See: Waveform and Vector Exchange Specification.
wave shape (1) (of an impulse test wave) The graph of an im-
pulse test wave as a function of time.
(SPD/PE) C62.22-1997
(2) (of an impulse test wave) The graph of the wave as a
function of time. (SPD/PE) C62.11-1999
(3) A stream of defined states or transitions with no associated
timing. (C/TT) 1450-1999
wave shape designation (1) (of an impulse)
a) The wave shape of an impulse (other than rectangular) of
a current or voltage is designated by a combination of two
numbers. The first, an index of the wave front, is the vir-
tual duration of the wave front in microseconds. The sec-
ond, an index of the wave tail, is the time in microseconds
from virtual zero to the instant at which one-half of the
crest value is reached on the wave tail. Examples are 1.2 /
50 and 8 /20 waves.
b) The wave shape of a rectangular impulse of current or
voltage is designated by two numbers. The first designates
the minimum value of current or voltage that is sustained
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1275 W-band
for the time in microseconds designated by the second
number. An example is the 75 A ⫻ 2000 s wave.
(SPD/PE) C62.22-1997
(2) (A) (of an impulse) The wave shape of an impulse (other
than rectangular) of a current or voltage is designated by a
combination of two numbers. The first, an index of the wave-
front, is the virtual duration of the wavefront in microseconds.
The second, an index of the wave tail, is the time in micro-
seconds from virtual zero to the instant at which one-half of
the crest value is reached on the wave tail. Examples are 1.2 /
50 and 8 /20 waves. (B) (of an impulse) The wave shape of a
rectangular impulse of current or voltage is designated by two
numbers. The first designates the minimum value of current
or voltage that is sustained for the time in microseconds des-
ignated by the second number. An example is the 75 A 1000
s wave. (SPD/PE) C62.11-1999
(3) The shape of a nonrectangular impulse of current or volt-
age is designated by a combination of two numbers: The first,
an index of the wave front, is the virtual duration of the wave
front in microseconds (virtual duration of wavefront). The
second, an index of the wave tail, is the time in microseconds
from virtual zero to the instant at which one-half of the crest
value is reached on the wave tail. Examples are 1.2 /50 and
8 /20 waves. (SPD/PE) C62.62-2000
wave, square See: square wave.
wave tail (of an impulse) That part between the crest value and
the end of the impulse.
(SPD/PE) C62.22-1997, C62.11-1999, C62.62-2000
wave tilt (1) (data transmission) The forward inclination of a
radio wave due to its proximity to ground.
(PE) 599-1985w
(2) (of a monochromatic electromagnetic wave propagating
near the interface between two media) The complex ratio of
the electric (or magnetic) field component that is tangent to
the interface to that which is normal to the interface, both
field components lying in the plane of propagation. Note:
Wave tilt is generally associated with ground wave propa-
gation over the Earth’s surface. (AP/PROP) 211-1997
wave train A limited series of wave cycles caused by a periodic
disturbance of short duration. See also: pulse train.
(PE/EDPG) [3]
wave vector See: propagation vector.
wave vector in physical media The complex vector 15k in
plane wave solutions of the form e⫺jkr, for an ejvt time vari-
ation and 15r⬎ the position vector. See also: propagation
vector in physical media. (AP/ANT) 145-1983s
wave winding A winding that progresses around the armature
by passing successively under each main pole of the machine
before again approaching the starting point. In commutator
machines, the ends of individual coils are not connected to
adjacent commutator bars. See also: direct-current commu-
tating machine; asynchronous machine. (EEC/PE) [119]
way (1) A three-phase circuit entrance to a switching assembly.
(SWG/PE) C37.71-1984r
(2) A three-phase circuit entrance to a switch or bus; or for
single-phase switches, single-phase entrance to a switch or
bus. (SWG/PE) C37.100-1992
(3) A three-phase or single-phase circuit section containing a
switch, fuse, combination switch and fuse, or bus.
(SWG/PE) C37.73-1998
way point (navigation) (navigation aids) A selected point on
or near a course line and having significance with respect to
navigation or traffic control. (AES/GCS) 172-1983w
way station (data transmission) A telegraph term for one of
the stations on a multipoint circuit. (PE) 599-1985w
W-band A radar-frequency band between 75 GHz and 110
GHz, usually in one of the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) allocated bands 76– 81 GHz or 92– 100 GHz.
Included within the definition of millimeter-wave radar.
(AES) 686-1997 Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
WBC 1276
WBC (wide band channel (ARCHIVE)) See: wideband
channel.
WDM See: wave-division multiplexing.
weak ac system See: high-impedance ac system.
weak field In a propulsion system, a motor connection or op-
erating mode in which the exciting field current is less than
the full field value. (VT) 1475-1999
weakly guiding fiber (fiber optics) A fiber for which the dif-
ference between the maximum and the minimum refractive
index is small (usually less than 1 percent).
(Std100) 812-1984w
weakly perturbed field (1) (overhead power lines) At a given
point, a field whose magnitude does not change by more than
5% or whose direction does not vary by more than 5⬚, or
both, when an object is introduced into the region.
(T&D/PE) 539-1990
(2) At a given point, a field whose magnitude does not change
by more than 5% or whose direction does not vary by more
than 5 degrees when an object is introduced into the region.
(T&D/PE) 644-1994
weak sequential consistency A state exhibited by a system
when references to global synchronizing variables exhibit
strong sequential consistency, and if no reference to a syn-
chronizing variable is issued by any processor until all pre-
vious modifications to global data have been observed by all
caches, and if no reference to global data is issued by any
processor until all previous modifications to synchronizing
variables have been observed by all caches. See also: strong
sequential consistency. (C/BA) 10857-1994
wearout The state of a component in which the failure rate
increases with time as a result of a process characteristic of
the population. (PE/NP) 933-1999
wear-out failure See: failure.
wearout-failure period (1) That possible period during which
the failure rate increases rapidly in comparison with the pre-
ceding period. (R) [29]
(2) (software) The period in the life cycle of a system or
component during which hardware failures occur at an in-
creasing rate due to deterioration. Contrast: constant-failure
period; early-failure period. See also: bathtub curve.
(C) 610.12-1990
wear-out failures (station control and data acquisition) The
pattern of failures experienced when equipments reach their
period of deterioration. Wear-out failure profiles may be ap-
proximated by a Gaussian (bell curve) distribution centered
on the nominal life of the equipment.
(PE/SUB) C37.1-1994
wearout of reverse drain breakdown (metal-nitride-oxide
field-effect transistor) An effect where the reverse cur-
rent voltage characteristic of the drain junction changes pro-
gressively and irreversibly toward larger (leakage) currents at
the same reverse voltages. (ED) 581-1978w
wearout period (reliability analysis of nuclear power gen-
erating station safety systems) The time interval, following
the period of constant failure rate, during which failures occur
at an increasing rate. (PE/NP) 352-1975s
wear point (cable plowing) A removable tip on the end of some
shanks or plow blades. (T&D/PE) 590-1977w
weather (outage occurrences and outage states of electrical
transmission facilities) Exposure, whether measured in time
or operations, may be subdivided according to the type of
weather to which a component or components within a unit
is exposed. (PE/PSE) 859-1987w
weather, adverse See: adverse weather.
weather barrier (1) (electrical heating systems) A material
that protects thermal insulation from environmental condi-
tions such as rain, sleet, snow, wind, contamination, and phys-
ical damage. (IA/PC) 844-1991
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weekly cycle
(2) (electrical heat tracing for industrial applications) Ma-
terial that, when installed on the outer surface of thermal in-
sulation, protects the insulation from weather, such as rain,
snow, sleet, wind, solar radiation, or atmospheric contami-
nation, and physical damage. (BT/AV) 152-1953s
(3) Material that, when installed on the outer surface of ther-
mal insulation, protects the insulation from water or other
liquids; physical damage caused by sleet, wind, or mechanical
abuse; and deterioration caused by solar radiation or atmo-
spheric contamination. (IA/PC) 515.1-1995, 515-1997
weather, normal See: normal weather.
weatherproof (1) So constructed or protected that exposure
to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.
Rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the
requirements for weatherproof where varying weather con-
ditions other than wetness, such as snow, ice, dust, or tem-
perature extremes, are not a factor. (NESC/NEC) [86]
(2) (outside exposure) So constructed or protected that ex-
posure to the weather will not interfere with successful op-
eration. See also: outdoor.
(SWG/PE) C37.30-1971s, C37.100-1981s
weatherproof enclosure An enclosure for outdoor application
designed to protect against weather hazards such as rain,
snow, or sleet. Note: Condensation is minimized by use of
space heaters. (SWG/PE) C37.100-1981s
weather-protected machine A guarded machine whose venti-
lating passages are so designed as to minimize the entrance
of rain, snow, and airborne particles to the electric parts. See
also: asynchronous machine; direct-current commutating ma-
chine. (PE) [9]
weathershed The external part of the termination insulator that
protects the core and provides the wet electrical strength and
leakage distance. (PE/T&D/IC) 48-1996, 987-1985w
weathertight See: raintight.
weather vane See: vane.
web (1) That portion of the cold wall that extends between mod-
ules to permit heat transfer. (C/MM) 1101.2-1992
(2) That portion of the chassis cold wall that extends between
modules forming the module slot and providing a heat trans-
fer path (for conduction-cooled modules only).
(C/BA) 1101.3-1993
weber The unit of magnetic flux in the International System of
Units (SI). The weber is the magnetic flux whose decrease to
zero when linked with a single turn induces in the turn a
voltage whose time integral is one volt-second.
(Std100) 270-1966w
Web page A digital multimedia object as delivered to a client
system. A Web page may be generated dynamically from the
server side, and may incorporate applets or other elements
active on either the client or server side. (C) 2001-1999
Web site A collection of logically connected Web pages man-
aged as a single entity. A Web site may contain one or more
subordinate Web sites. (C) 2001-1999
wedge (rotating machinery) A tapered shim or key. See also:
rotor; stator; slot wedge. (PE) [9]
wedge groove (rotating machinery) (wedge slot) A groove,
usually in the side of a coil slot, to permit the insertion of and
to retain a slot wedge. (PE) [9]
wedge, slot See: wedge groove.
wedge washer (rotating machinery) (salient pole) Insulation
triangular in cross section placed underneath the inner ends
of field coils and spanning between field coils. (PE) [9]
weekend processing The operations required to complete a
weekly cycle. (C) 610.2-1987
weekly cycle One complete execution of a data processing func-
tion that must be performed once a week. For example, a
weekly payroll system. See also: monthly cycle; annual cycle;
daily cycle. (C) 610.2-1987 Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
weight 1277
weight (1) (mathematics of computing) In positional repre-
sentation of numbers, the value of a given digit position. Syn-
onym: significance. (C) 1084-1986w
(2) (data management) For a given node in a tree, the num-
ber of terminal nodes in the subtree for that node.
(C) 610.5-1990w
weight-2 code (local area networks) An unbalanced code sex-
tet containing exactly two 1’s. (C) 8802-12-1998
weight 2/4 code alternation A rule requiring successive un-
balanced-code symbols in a data stream to be alternately cho-
sen between weight-2 and weight-4 code groups.
(LM/C) 802.12-1995s
weight-4 code (local area networks) An unbalanced code sex-
tet containing exactly four 1’s. (C) 8802-12-1998
weight-balanced tree (data management) A binary tree in
which the ratio of the weight of the left subtree to the weight
of the right subtree is between the square root of two plus and
minus one. Contrast: height-balanced tree.
(C) 610.5-1990w
weight coefficient (thermoelectric generator couple) (ther-
moelectric generator) The quotient of the electric power out-
put by the device weight. See also: thermoelectric device.
(ED) [46]
weighted average cost of capital The average interest rate used
in financial analysis by business for capital projects.
(SCC22) 1346-1998
weighted average quantum efficiency (diode-type camera
tube) () The spectral quantum efficiency , integrated over
a spectral band 1 to 2; and weighted by a particular input
spectral distribution N().
冕
2
N()d
1
冕
⬅ 2
N()d
1
Since the input spectral distribution appears in both numerator
and denominator, it can have dimensions of radiant power, or
irradiance, or it can be a relative number, normalized, for
example, to the peak value of the input spectral distribution.
(ED) 503-1978w
weighted peak flutter Flutter and wow indicated by the
weighted peak flutter measuring equipment specified in IEEE
Std 193-1971 (withdrawn), Method for Measurement of
Weighted Peak Flutter of Sound Recording and Reproducing
Equipment. Note: The meter indicates one-half the peak-to-
peak demodulated signal. (SP) 193-1971w
weighted response transducer A transducer intended to pro-
duce a surface wave with spatial distribution corresponding
to a weighted-impulse response by designing the structure so
that the finger lengths, finger locations, or electrical connec-
tions may vary. (UFFC) 1037-1992w
weighted sound level A-weighted sound-pressure level, ob-
tained by the use of metering characteristics and the weight-
ings A, B, C, or D specified in ANSI S1.4-1983. The weight-
ings employed must always be stated. The reference pressure
is always 20 Pa. Notes: 1. The meter reading (in decibels)
corresponds to a value of the sound pressure integrated over
the audible frequency range with a specified frequency
weighting and integration time. 2. A suitable method of stat-
ing the weighting is, for example, “The A-weighted sound
level was 43 dB,” or “The sound level was 490 dB (A).”
3. Weightings are based on psychoacoustically determined
time or frequency responses in objective measuring equip-
ment. This is done to obtain data that better predict the sub-
jective listener reaction than would wide-band measurements
with a meter having either an instantaneous time response or
a slow average or rms response. Standard weighting charac-
teristics indicating relative response as a function of fre-
quency are designated A, B, C, and D.
(T&D/PE) 656-1992
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wet electrolytic capacitor
weighting (data transmission) The artificial adjustment of
measurements in order to account for factors that in the nor-
mal use of the device, would otherwise be different from the
conditions during measurement. For example, background
noise measurements may be weighted by applying factors or
by introducing networks to reduce measured values in inverse
ratio to their interfering effects.
(AP/PE/ANT) 145-1983s, 599-1985w
weighting function (control system feedback) A function rep-
resenting the time response of a linear system, or element to
a unit-impulse forcing function: the derivative of the time
response to a unit-step forcing function. Notes: 1. The La-
place transform of the weighting function is the transfer func-
tion of the system or element. 2. The time response of a linear
system or element to an arbitrary input is described in terms
of the weighting function by means of the convolution inte-
gral. See also: feedback control system.
(IM/PE/EDPG) [120], [3]
weight of 6T code group The algebraic sum of the logical ter-
nary symbol values listed in the 100BASE-T4 8B6T code
table. (C/LM) 802.3-1998
weight transfer compensation A system of control wherein the
tractive forces of individual traction motors may be adjusted
to compensate for the transfer of weight from one axle to
another when exerting tractive force. See also: multiple-unit
control. (EEC/PE) [119]
weight 2 /4 code alternation (local area networks) A rule re-
quiring successive unbalanced-code symbols in a data stream
to be alternately chosen between weight-2 and weight-4 code
groups. (C) 8802-12-1998
weld decay Localized corrosion at or adjacent to a weld.
(IA) [59]
welding arc voltage The voltage across the welding arc.
(EEC/AWM) [91]
well-defined Containing no metalogical or high-impedance el-
ement values. (C/DA) 1076.3-1997, 1076.6-1999
well-formed requirement A statement of system functionality
(a capability) that can be validated, and that must be met or
possessed by a system to solve a customer problem or to
achieve a customer objective, and is qualified by measurable
conditions and bounded by constraints. (C/SE) 1233-1998
well-type coaxial detector A coaxial detector that is mounted
and encapsulated in such a way that a radioactive sample may
be placed within the inner cylindrical electrode such that the
sample is essentially surrounded by active detector material.
(NPS) 325-1996
Western See: snatch block.
Weston normal cell A standard cell of the cadmium type con-
taining a saturated solution of cadmium sulphate as the elec-
trolyte. Note: Strictly speaking this cell contains a neutral
solution, but acid cells are now in more common use. See
also: electrochemistry. (EEC/PE) [119]
wet bulb temperature The temperature at which liquid or solid
water, by evaporating into the air, can bring the air into sat-
uration adiabatically at the same temperature.
(IA/PSE) 241-1990r
wet cell (1) A cell whose electrolyte is in liquid form. See also:
electrochemistry. (EEC/PE) [119]
(2) See also: vented cell. (IA/PSE) 446-1995
wet contact (telephone switching systems) A contact through
which direct current flows. Note: The term has significance
because of the healing action of direct current flowing through
contacts. (COM) 312-1977w
wet-dry signaling (telephone switching systems) Two-state
signaling achieved by the application and removal of battery
at one end of a trunk. (COM) 312-1977w
wet electrolytic capacitor A capacitor in which the dielectric
is primarily an anodized coating on one electrode, with the
remaining space between the electrodes filled with a liquid
electrolytic solution. (PE/EM) 43-1974s Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
wetlands 1278
wetlands Any land that has been so designated by governmental
agencies. Characteristically, such land contains vegetation
associated with saturated types of soil.
(PE/SUB) 1127-1998
wet location Installations underground or in concrete slabs or
masonry in direct contact with the earth, and locations subject
to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle wash-
ing areas, and locations exposed to weather and unprotected.
(NESC/NEC) [86]
wet location, health care facility A patient care area, that is
normally subject to wet conditions, including standing water
on the floor, or routine dousing or drenching of the work area.
Routine housekeeping procedures and incidental spillage
of liquids do not define a wet location. (NESC/NEC) [86]
Wet-Niche lighting fixture A lighting fixture intended for in-
stallation in a metal forming shell mounted in a swimming
pool structure where the fixture will be completely sur-
rounded by pool water. (NESC/NEC) [86]
wet snow Deposited snow that contains a great deal of liquid
water. If free water entirely fills the air space in the snow, it
is classified as “very wet” snow. Note: This condition causes
water drops similar to rain to form on the conductors.
(T&D/PE) 539-1990
wetting The free flow of solder alloy, with proper application
of heat and flux, on a metallic surface to produce an adherent
bond. (EEC/AWM) [105]
wetting agent (electroplating) (surface active agent) A sub-
stance added to a cleaning, pickling or plating solution to
decrease its surface tension. See also: electroplating.
(EEC/PE) [119]
wet-wound (rotating machinery) A coil in which the conduc-
tors are coated with wet resin in passage to the winding form,
or on to which a bonding or insulating resin is applied on
each successive winding layer to produce an impregnated
coil. See also: rotor; stator. (PE) [9]
what-if-analysis An exercise that determines what capabilities
an overall system would have if a changed capability were
added (e.g., larger fuel tanks). (DIS/C) 1278.3-1996
Wheatstone bridge A 4-arm bridge, all arms of which are pre-
dominantly resistive. (See the corresponding figure.) See
also: bridge.
Source
R1 R2
G seconds. Note: Propagation of this energy is in the whistler
R3 Rx
Rx R3R2 /R1
Wheatstone bridge
(EEC/PE) [119]
wheel See: sheave.
wheel diameter compensation A function that corrects for ei-
ther the wear of the wheel(s) or the difference(s) in rolling
diameter between different wheels on the vehicle or both.
(VT) 1475-1999
wheeling The use of the transmission facilities of one or more
parties to transmit electricity for another party.
(PE/PSE) 858-1993w
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BATCH
white compression
wheeling charge (power operations) The amount paid to an
intervening system for the use of its transmission facilities.
(PE/PSE) 858-1987s, 346-1973w
wheel printer An element printer in which a set of type slugs,
carried on the rim of a print wheel, is made available for each
printing position. See also: daisy wheel printer.
(C) 610.10-1994w
wheel slide During braking, the condition existing when the
rotational speed of the wheel is slower than that for pure roll-
ing contact between tread and rail /running surface.
(VT) 1475-1999
wheel slip The condition existing when the rotational speed of
the wheel does not correspond with pure rolling contact be-
tween tread and rail /running surface. (VT) 1475-1999
wheel-speed sensitivity See: rotor-speed sensitivity.
wheel spin During acceleration, the condition existing when the
rotational speed of the wheel is faster than that for pure rolling
contact between tread and rail /running surface.
(VT) 1475-1999
wheel tractor A wheeled unit employed to pull pulling lines,
sag conductor, and miscellaneous other work. Sagging
winches on this unit are usually arranged in a horizontal con-
figuration. It has some advantages over crawler tractors in that
it has a softer footprint, travels faster, and is more maneu-
verable. Synonyms: sagger; logger; tractor; skidder.
(T&D/PE) 524-1992r
WHILE (software) A single-entry, single-exit loop in which
the loop control is executed before the loop body. (See the
corresponding figure.) Synonym: UNTIL; pre-tested iteration.
Contrast: closed loop. See also: leading decision.
WHILE construct
(C) 610.12-1990
whip antenna A thin, flexible monopole antenna.
(AP/ANT) 145-1993
whistle operator A device to provide automatically the timed
signals required by navigation laws when underway in fog,
and also manual control of electrical operation of a whistle
or siren, or both, for at-will signals. (EEC/PE) [119]
whistler A form of radio energy in the extremely low fre-
quency /very low frequency portion of the spectrum, usually
originating from lightning strokes and characterized by a
whistling tone of decreasing pitch that may last for several
mode, which is strongly guided along the Earth’s magnetic
field. See also: whistler mode. (AP/PROP) 211-1997
whistler mode The propagation mode of any right-hand polar-
ized electromagnetic wave propagating along a magnetic field
line in a plasma at a frequency less than the electron gyrof-
requency but greater than the ion gyrofrequency.
(AP/PROP) 211-1997
white (color television) Used most commonly in the nontechn-
ical sense. More specific usage is covered by the term ach-
romatic locus, and this usage is explained in the note under
the term achromatic locus. See also: reference white.
(BT/AV) 201-1979w
white box See: glass box.
white-box model See: glass box model.
white-box testing See: structural testing.
white compression (television) (white saturation) The reduc-
tion in gain applied to a picture signal at those levels corre-
sponding to light areas in a picture with respect to the gain Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
white light photocathode response
at that level corresponding to the midrange light value in the
picture. Notes: 1. The gain referred to in the definition is for
a signal amplitude small in comparison with the total peak-
to-peak picture signal involved. A quantitative evaluation of
this effect can be obtained by a measurement of differential
gain. 2. The overall effect of white compression is to reduce
contrast in the highlights of the picture as seen on a monitor.
See also: television. (BT/AV) [34]
white light photocathode response (diode-type camera tube)
The ratio of the output signal current to the total input radiant
power from a tungsten filament source at a 2854K color tem-
perature. Units: amperes watt ⫺1 (AW⫺1). (CIE illuminant A).
(ED) 503-1978w
white noise (1) (data transmission) (overhead-power-line co-
rona and radio noise) Noise, either random or impulsive,
that has a flat frequency spectrum in the frequency range of
interest. (T&D/PE) 539-1990, 599-1985w
(2) (telephone practice) Noise, either random or impulsive
type, that has a flat frequency spectrum at the frequency range
of interest. This type of noise is used in the evaluation of
systems on a theoretical basis and is produced for testing pur-
poses by a white-noise generator. The use of the term should
be limited and is not good usage in describing message circuit
noise. (PE/PSR) C37.93-1976s
(3) (broadband local area networks) See also: noise.
(LM/C) 802.7-1989r
(4) A type of noise that has a uniform power spectral density
across a specified frequency spectrum. (C) 610.7-1995
white object (television) (color) An object that reflects all
wavelengths of light with substantially equal high efficiencies
and with considerable diffusion. (BT/AV) 201-1979w
white peak (television) A peak excursion of the picture signal
in the white direction. See also: television. (BT/AV) [34]
white recording (frequency-modulation facsimile system)
That form of recording in which the lowest received fre-
quency corresponds to the minimum density of the record
medium. See also: recording. (COM) 168-1956w
white saturation See: white compression.
white signal (at any point in a facsimile system) The signal
produced by the scanning of a minimum-density area of the
subject copy. See also: facsimile signal.
(COM) 168-1956w
white space (1) A sequence of one or more characters that be-
long to the space character class as defined via the LC㛮
CTYPE category in the current locale. In the POSIX Locale,
white space consists of one or more 具blank典s (具space典s and
具tab典s), 具newline典s, 具carriage-return典s, 具form-feed典s,
and 具vertical-tab典s. (C/PA) 9945-2-1993
(2) The nondisplaying formatting characters such as spaces,
tabs, etc., that are embedded within a block of free text.
(C/SE) 1320.2-1998
white space expansion See: kerning.
white space reduction See: kerning.
white space string A sequence of one or more white space
characters including 具space典, 具tab典, and 具newline典. Within
software definition files of exported catalogs, all such strings
shall be encoded using IRV. (C/PA) 1387.2-1995
white transmission (1) (amplitude-modulation facsimile sys-
tem) That form of transmission in which the maximum trans-
mitted power corresponds to the minimum density of the sub-
ject copy. (COM) 168-1956w
(2) (frequency-modulation facsimile system) That form of
transmission in which the lowest transmitted frequency cor-
responds to the minimum density of the subject copy. See
also: facsimile transmission. (COM) 168-1956w
whole body irradiation (electrobiology) Pertains to the case in
which the entire body is exposed to the incident electromag-
netic energy or in which the cross section of the body is
smaller than the cross section of the incident radiation beam.
See also: electrobiology. (NIR) C95.1-1982s
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BATCH
1279 Wiedemann-Franz ratio
wicket gates Series of overlapping adjustable guide vanes that
regulate the amount of water flowing through a reaction
turbine.
wicking The flow of solder along the strands and under the
insulation of stranded lead wires. (EEC/AWM) [105]
wick-lubricated bearing (A) (rotating machinery) A sleeve
bearing in which a supply of lubricant is provided by the
capillary action of a wick that extends into a reservoir of free
oil or of oil-saturated packing material. (B) (rotating ma-
chinery) A sleeve bearing in which the reservoir and other
cavities in the bearing region are packed with a material that
holds the lubricant supply and also serves as a wicking. See
also: bearing. (PE) [9]
wide-angle diffusion (illuminating engineering) That in which
flux is scattered at angles far from the direction that the flux
would take by regular reflection or transmission. See also:
regular reflection. (EEC/IE) [126]
wide-angle luminaire (illuminating engineering) A luminaire
that distributes the light through a comparatively large solid
angle. (EEC/IE) [126]
wide area network (WAN) (1) A communications network de-
signed for large geographic areas. Sometimes called long-
haul network. (DIS/C) 1278.2-1995
(2) A network that connects hosts across large geographic
regions such as cities, states, and countries. See also: local
area network; metropolitan area network; long haul network.
(C) 610.7-1995
wide area telecommunications service (WATS) Telephone
service that permits customers to make or receive long dis-
tance voice or telephone calls and have them billed on a bulk
rather than individual call basis. (C) 610.7-1995
wideband channel (WBC) (1) A channel that is wider in band-
width than a voice-band channel.
(C/PE) 610.7-1995, 599-1985w
(2) A 6.144 Mbit/s isochronous channel.
(C/LM) 802.9a-1995w
wideband circuit A telecommunication circuit capable of trans-
ferring data at speeds from 19 200– 2 000 000 b/s.
(C) 610.7-1995
wideband improvement The ratio of the signal-to-noise ratio
of the system in question to the signal-to-noise ratio of a ref-
erence system. Note: In comparing frequency-modulation and
amplitude-modulation systems, the reference system usually
is a double-sideband amplitude-modulation system with a
carrier power, in the absence of modulation, that is equal to
the carrier power of the frequency-modulation system.
(AP/ANT) 145-1983s
wideband ratio The ratio of the occupied frequency bandwidth
to the intelligence bandwidth. (AP/ANT) 145-1983s
widget A specific instance of a widget class, providing a control
in the user interface, such as a menu, pushbutton, or text
fields. (C) 1295-1993w
widget class A collection of code and data structures that pro-
vides a generic implementation of a part of the user interface.
(C) 1295-1993w
widow prevention The ability of a text formatter to avoid plac-
ing a title or the first one or two lines of a paragraph at the
end of a page. See also: orphan prevention.
(C) 610.2-1987
width By convention, the width axis is perpendicular to the
PWB. (C/MM) 1101.2-1992
width line (illuminating engineering) The radial line (the one
that makes the larger angle with the reference line) that passes
through the point of one-half maximum candlepower on the
lateral candlepower distribution curve plotted on the surface
of the cone of maximum candlepower. (EEC/IE) [126]
Wiedemann-Franz ratio The quotient of the thermal conduc-
tivity by the electric conductivity. See also: thermoelectric
device. (ED/ED) [46], 221-1962w Short
Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES BATCH

Wien bridge oscillator 1280 winch, three-drum

Wien bridge oscillator An oscillator whose frequency of os-

cillation is controlled by a Wien bridge. See also: oscillatory
circuit. (EEC/PE) [119]
Wien capacitance bridge A four-arm alternating-current bridge
characterized by having in two adjacent arms capacitors re-
spectively in series and in parallel with resistors, while the
other two arms are normally nonreactive resistors. (See the
corresponding figure.) Note: Normally used for the measure- R1 R2
ment of capacitance in terms of resistance and frequency. The
balance depends upon frequency, but from the balance con-
ditions the capacitance of either or both capacitors can be
computed from the resistances of all four arms and the fre-
quency. See also: bridge. G

R3

R4
L3

L4
RL

R1 R2
L3 R (R
R3)
 1 L
L4 R2R3 R1R4

R2
 2L3L4  R4 (RL
R3) RLR3
R1
G
Wien inductance bridge
(EEC/PE) [119]
R3
Wien radiation law (illuminating engineering) An expression
R4 representing approximately the spectral radiance of a black-
body as a function of its wavelength and temperature. It com-
monly is expressed by the formula
C3
C4 L ⫽ I/A⬘ ⫽ c1L⫺5e⫺(c2/T)
where the symbols are those used in the definition of Planck
radiation law. This formula is accurate to one percent or better
C3 R R
for values of lT less than 3000 micrometer kelvins. See also:
1
 2 4 C3C4  radiant energy. (EEC/IE) [126]
C4 R1 R3 2R3R4
wigwag signal A railroad-highway crossing signal, the indica-
Wien capacitance bridge
tion of which is given by a horizontally swinging disc with
(EEC/PE) [119] or without a red light attached. (EEC/PE) [119]
Wien displacement law (illuminating engineering) An ex- wildcard character One of *?[ (asterisk, question mark, open
pression representing, in a functional form, the spectral ra- bracket). Such characters are used in software pattern match
diance L of a blackbody as a function of the wavelength  strings. (C/PA) 1387.2-1995
and the temperature T.
Williams-tube storage (1) (electronic computation) A type of
L ⫽ I/A⬘ ⫽ c1⫺5f(T) electrostatic storage. (Std100) 270-1966w
(2) A type of electrostatic storage that employs a cathode-ray
where the symbols are those used in the definition of Planck tube. (C) 610.10-1994w
radiation law. The two principal corollaries of this law Wilson center (medical electronics) (electrocardiography)
are: (V potential) (limb center) An electric reference contact: the
mT ⫽ b junction of three equal resistors to the limb leads.
(EMB) [47]
Lm/T 5 ⫽ b⬘ Wilson plate (measurement of dc electric field strength and
ion-related quantities) A conducting plate that is grounded
which show how the maximum spectral radiance Lm and the
through an ammeter; it is used to collect the ion current, which
wavelength m at which it occurs are related to the absolute
is measured as it flows through the ammeter. The plate is
temperature T. Note: The currently recommended value of
sensitive to both ion-current density and changes in electric
b is 2.8978 ⫻ 10⫺3 m · K or 2.8978 ⫻ 10⫺1 cm · K. From
field (displacement current). Note: Long integration times are
the definition of the Planck radiation law, and with the use
used to minimize the effects of the changes in the electric
of the value of b, as given above b⬘, is found to be 4.10 ⫻
field (displacement current). If the power-line voltage and ge-
10⫺12 W · cm⫺3 · K⫺5 · sr⫺1. (EEC/IE) [126]
ometry are constant with time, the average displacement cur-
Wien inductance bridge A 4-arm alternating-current bridge rent is zero. (T&D/PE) 539-1990, 1227-1990r
characterized by having in two adjacent arms inductors re-
winch, double-drum See: two-drum, three-drum puller.
spectively in series and in parallel with resistors, while the
other two arms are normally nonreactive resistors. (See the Winchester disk A hard disk in which the magnetic heads and
corresponding figure.) Note: Normally used for the measure- platter are contained within a sealed unit so that contaminants
ment of inductance in terms of resistance and frequency. The such as dust particles cannot interfere with the close tolerance
balance depends upon frequency, but from the balance con- between the disk and the head. Note: The entire assembly
ditions the inductances of either or both inductors can be com- may be removable or fixed. (C) 610.10-1994w
puted from the resistances of the four arms and the frequency. winch, single-drum See: drum puller. Short
See also: bridge. winch, three-drum See: two-drum, three-drum puller. Stand
Long

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39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
winch, triple-drum 1281
winch, triple-drum See: two-drum, three-drum puller.
winch, two-drum See: two-drum, three-drum puller.
wind direction The direction of the movement of air relative to
the conductor axis. The wind direction and the conductor axis
are assumed to be in a plane parallel to the earth. When the
wind is blowing parallel to the conductor axis it is termed
“parallel wind.” When the wind is blowing perpendicularly
to the conductor axis it is termed “perpendicular wind.”
(T&D/PE) 738-1993
wind-driven generator for aircraft A generator used on air-
craft that derives its power from the air stream applied on its
own air screw or impeller during flight. (EEC/PE) [119]
winder, pilot line A device designed to payout and rewind pilot
lines during stringing operations. It is normally equipped with
its own engine, which drives a drum or a supporting shaft for
a reel mechanically, hydraulically, or through a combination
of both. These units are usually equipped with multiple drums
or reels, depending upon the number of pilot lines required.
The pilot line is payed out from the drum or reel, pulled
through the travelers in the sag section, and attached to the
pulling line on the reel stand or drum puller. It is then re-
wound to pull the pulling line through the travelers. A pilot
line winder can be a unit similar to a bullwheel puller and
often has the reelwinder as an integral part of the machine.
(T&D/PE) 524-1992r
winder, reel See: reel winder.
winding (data processing) A conductive path, usually of wire,
inductively coupled to a magnetic core or cell. Note: When
several windings are employed, they may be designated by
the functions performed. Examples are: sense, bias, and drive
windings. Drive windings include read, write, inhibit, set, re-
set, input, shift, and advance windings.
(Std100) 163-1959w
winding, ac See: ac winding.
winding, autotransformer series See: series winding.
winding, control-power See: control-power winding.
winding, dc See: direct-current winding.
winding-drum machine (elevators) A geared-drive machine in
which the hoisting ropes are fastened to and wind on a drum.
See also: driving machine. (EEC/PE) [119]
winding end wire (rotating machinery) The portion of a ran-
dom-wound winding that is not inside the core. See also:
rotor; stator. (PE) [9]
winding factor (rotating machinery) The product of the dis-
tribution factor and the pitch factor. See also: stator; rotor.
(PE) [9]
winding hottest spot temperature (power and distribution
transformers) The highest temperature inside the trans-
former winding. It is greater than the measured average tem-
perature (using the resistance change method) of the coil con-
ductors. (PE/TR) C57.12.80-1978r
winding impregnation (rotating machinery) The process of
applying an insulating varnish to a winding and, when re-
quired, baking to cure the varnish. (PE) [9]
winding inductance See: air-core inductance.
winding loss (electronic power transformer) The power losses
of all windings involved, expressed in watts, in an inductor
or transformer with the values measured at or corrected to the
rated load current, frequency, and waveshape and stabilized
at the maximum ambient temperature. Synonym: copper
losses. (PEL/ET) 295-1969r
winding overhang (rotating machinery) That portion of a
winding extending beyond the ends of the core. (PE) [9]
winding pitch See: coil pitch.
winding, primary See: primary winding.
winding, secondary See: secondary winding.
winding shield (rotating machinery) A shield secured to the
frame to protect the windings but not to support the bearing.
(PE) [9]
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wink
windings, high-voltage and low-voltage The terms high-volt-
age and low-voltage are used to distinguish the winding hav-
ing the greater from that having the lesser voltage rating.
(PE/TR) C57.12.80-1978r
winding, stabilizing See: stabilizing winding.
winding, tertiary See: tertiary winding.
winding voltage rating The voltage for which the winding is
designed. See also: duty. (PE/TR) [116]
window (1) (counter tube) (radiation counter tubes) That por-
tion of the wall that is made thin enough for radiation of low
penetrating power to enter. (ED) [45]
(2) (charged-particle detectors) See also: dead layer thick-
ness. (NPS) 300-1988r
(3) (computer graphics) A region of a two-dimensional
world coordinate system that is to be visible as the display
image. (C) 610.6-1991w
(4) A work area on the screen used by an application.
(C) 1295-1993w
(5) A contiguous unit of addressing space that one bus utilizes
to provide access to data on another bus.
(C/BA) 1014.1-1994w
(6) In applications and graphical user interfaces, a defined
portion of the display screen that is separated by a frame from
the rest of the screen and which may be opened, closed, re-
sized, and moved. (C) 610.10-1994w
(7) The measured difference in voltage or current between the
erased and programmed states. (ED) 1005-1998
(8) The period of time during a pattern cycle when a primary
output is actively monitored by an automatic test equipment
(ATE) channel. (SCC20) 1445-1998
window amplifier See: biased amplifier.
window annunciator (alarm monitoring and reporting sys-
tems for fossil-fueled power generating stations) A visual
signal device consisting of a number of backlighted windows,
each one indicating a condition that exists or has existed in a
monitored circuit, and being identified accordingly.
(PE/EDPG) 676-1986w
window-type current transformer One that has a secondary
winding insulated from and permanently assembled on the
core, but has no primary winding as an integral part of the
structure. Primary insulation is provided in the window,
through which one turn of the line conductor can be passed
to provide the primary winding.
(PE/TR/PSR) C57.13-1993, C37.110-1996,
C57.12.80-1978r
window, waveguide See: waveguide window.
window width The difference between the upper-level and
lower-level discriminator settings. (NI) N42.12-1994
windshield wiper for aircraft A motor-driven device for re-
moving rain, sleet, or snow from a section of an aircraft wind-
shield, window, navigation dome, or turret.
(EEC/PE) [119]
wind speed (navigation aids) The rate of motion of air.
(AES/GCS) 172-1983w
windup Lost motion in a mechanical system that is proportional
to the force or torque applied. (IA) [61]
wind velocity (navigation aids) The speed and direction of
wind. (AES/GCS) 172-1983w
wing clearance lights (illuminating engineering) A pair of air-
craft lights provided at the wing tips to indicate the extent of
the wing span when the navigation lights are located an ap-
preciable distance inboard of the wing tips.
(EEC/IE) [126]
wink (1) A momentary off-hook condition in telephone trunk
signaling. A wink may have different meanings depending on
where it is used in the signaling stream (i.e., start or connect).
(AMR/SCC31) 1390-1995, 1390.2-1999
(2) A momentary off-hook condition in telephone trunk sig-
naling. A wink may have different meanings depending on
where it is used in the signaling stream (i.e., start or connect). Short
(SCC31) 1390.3-1999 Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
wink-start pulsing 1282
wink-start pulsing (telephone switching systems) A method
of pulsing control and trunk integrity check wherein the
sender delays the sending of the address pulses until it re-
ceives a momentary off-hook signal from the far end.
(COM) 312-1977w
wiper (brush) That portion of the moving member of a selector
or other similar device, that makes contact with the terminals
of a bank. (EEC/PE) [119]
wiper relay See: relay wiper.
wiping gland A projecting sleeve on a junction box, pothead,
or other piece of apparatus serving to make a connection to
the lead sheath of a cable by means of a plumber’s wiped
joint. Synonyms: wiping sleeve; transformer removable cable-
terminating box. See also: tower. (T&D/PE) [10]
wiping sleeve See: wiping gland.
wire (1) A slender rod or filament of drawn metal. Note: The
definition restricts the term to what would be ordinarily un-
derstood by the term solid wire. In the definition, the word
slender is used in the sense that the length is great in com-
parison with the diameter. If a wire is covered with insulation,
it is properly called an insulated wire: while primarily the
term wire refers to the metal, nevertheless when the context
shows that the wire is insulated, the term wire will be under-
stood to include the insulation. See also: car-wiring apparatus.
(VT/LT) 16-1955w
(2) See also: conductor. (T&D/PE) 516-1987s
(3) See also: conductor. (T&D/PE) 524-1992r
wire antenna An antenna composed of one or more conductors,
each of which is long compared to the transverse dimensions,
and with transverse dimensions of each conductor so small
compared to a wavelength that for the purpose of computation
the current can be assumed to flow entirely longitudinally and
to have negligible circumferential variation.
(AP/ANT) 145-1993
wire-band serving (power distribution, underground cables)
A short closed helical serving of wire applied tightly over the
armor of wire-armored cables spaced at regular intervals,
such as on vertical riser cables, to bind the wire armor tightly
over the core to prevent slippage. (PE) [4]
wire broadcasting The distribution of programs over wire cir-
cuits to a large number of receivers, using either voice fre-
quencies or modulated carrier frequencies.
(EEC/PE) [119]
wire center (1) (telephone loop performance) A central point
from which loop feeder networks extend in a tree-like manner
into the serving areas associated with the center. One or more
end offices may be located at a wire center.
(COM/TA) 820-1984r
(2) See also: end office. (C) 610.7-1995
wired equivalent privacy (WEP) The optional cryptographic
confidentiality algorithm specified by IEEE 802.11 used to
provide data confidentiality that is subjectively equivalent to
the confidentiality of a wired local area network (LAN) me-
dium that does not employ cryptographic techniques to en-
hance privacy. (C/LM) 8802-11-1999
wired logic (telephone switching systems) A fixed pattern of
interconnections among a group of devices to perform pre-
determined functions in response to input signals.
(COM) 312-1977w
wired OR A technique employed in circuit design in which
separate circuits are connected to a common point so that the
combination of their outputs results in an OR function, that
is, the point at which the circuits are wired together will be
true if any circuit feeding it is true. (C) 610.10-1994w
wired point interface Point for which all common equipment,
wiring, and space are provided. To activate the point requires
only the addition of plug-in hardware for the specific point.
(SUB/PE) C37.1-1994
wired program (telephone switching systems) A program em-
bodied in a pattern of fixed physical interconnections among
a group of devices. (COM) 312-1977w
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wire rope splice
wired program control (telephone switching systems) A sys-
tem control using wired logic. (COM) 312-1977w
wire frame representation (computer graphics) A technique
for displaying a three-dimensional object as a series of lines
outlining its shape without removing hidden surfaces. (See
the corresponding figure.)
wire frame representation
(C) 610.6-1991w
wire gages Throughout these rules the American Wire Gage
(AWG), formerly known as Brown & Sharpe (B&S), is the
standard gage for copper, aluminum, and other conductors,
excepting only steel conductors, for which the Steel Wire
Gage (Stl WG) is used. Note: The Birmingham Wire Gage is
obsolete. (NESC) C2-1997
wire-grid lens antenna A lens antenna constructed of wire
grids, in which the effective index of refraction (and thus the
path delay) is locally controlled by the dimensions and the
spacings of the wire grid. Contrast: geodesic lens antenna;
Luneburg lens antenna. (AP/ANT) 145-1993
wire holder (insulators) An insulator of generally cylindrical
or pear shape, having a hole for securing the conductor and
a screw or bolt for mounting. See also: insulator.
(EEC/IEPL) [89]
wire insulation (rotating machinery) The insulation that is ap-
plied to a wire before it is made into a coil or inserted in a
machine. See also: stator; rotor. (PE) [9]
wireless connection diagram The general physical arrange-
ment of devices in a control equipment and connections be-
tween these devices, terminals, and terminal boards for out-
going connections to external apparatus. Connections are
shown in tabular form and not by lines. An elementary (or
schematic) diagram may be included in the connection dia-
gram. (IA/ICTL/IAC) 270-1966w, [60]
wireless medium (WM) The medium used to implement the
transfer of protocol data units (PDUs) between peer physical
layer (PHY) entities of a wireless local area network (LAN).
(C/LM) 8802-11-1999
wireload model A statistical model for the estimation of inter-
connect properties as a function of the geometric measures
available before the completion of layout and routing. Typical
model properties include fanout, capacitance, length, and re-
sistance. See also: size metric. (C/DA) 1481-1999
wire mesh grip See: woven wire grip.
wire, overhead ground See: overhead ground wire.
wire-pilot protection Pilot protection in which an auxiliary me-
tallic circuit is used for the communicating means between
relays at the circuit terminals.
(SWG/PE/PSR) C37.90-1978s, C37.100-1981s
wire printer See: dot matrix printer.
wire rope splice The point at which two wire ropes are joined
together. The various methods of joining (splicing) wire ropes
together include hand tucked woven splices, compression
splices that utilize compression fittings but do not incorporate
loops (eyes) in the ends of the ropes, and mechanical splices
that are made through the use of loops (eyes) in the ends of
the ropes held in place by either compression fittings or wire
rope clips. The latter are joined together with connector links Short
or steel bobs and, in some cases, are rigged eye to eye. Woven Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
wire spring relay
splices are often classified as short or long. A short splice
varies in length from 7 to 17 ft (2 to 5 m) for 0.25 to 1.5 in
(6 to 38 mm) diameter ropes, respectively, while a long splice
varies from 15 to 45 ft (4 to 14 m) for the same size ropes.
(T&D/PE) 524-1992r
wire spring relay A relay design in which the contacts are at-
tached to round wire springs instead of the conventional flat
or leaf spring. (PE/EM) 43-1974s
wire storage See: plated wire storage.
wiretapping Passive surveillance of communication channels
to gain access to information transmitted over those channels.
Wiretapping may be perpetrated through physical, electrical,
and radio-frequency taps into the communication channel,
and could result in the unauthorized disclosure of information
transmitted over communication channels. Also known as
eavesdropping. (C/BA) 896.3-1993w
wireway (1) (packaging machinery) A rigid rectangular race-
way provided with a cover. (IA/PKG) 333-1980w
(2) (raceway systems for Class 1E circuits for nuclear
power generating stations) Sheet-metal troughs with hinged
or removable covers to house or protect wires and cables ex-
ternal to panelboards and cabinets. (PE/NP) 628-1987r
wireways Sheet-metal troughs with hinged or removable covers
for housing and protecting electric wires and cable and in
which conductors are laid in place after the wireway has been
installed as a complete system. (NESC/NEC) [86]
wire-wrapped board A circuit board in which electrical con-
nections between components are accomplished by wrapping
wire around contact posts on the board. Contrast: printed cir-
cuit board. (C) 610.10-1994w
wiring closet A central point at which all the circuits in a wiring
system begin or end, allowing cross-connection. Synonym:
main distribution frame. (C) 610.7-1995
wiring or busing terminal, screw and/or lead That terminal,
screw or lead to which a power supply will be connected in
the field. (PE/TR) C57.12.80-1978r
wiring panel See: patch bay.
with Ada language construct to make the contents of an external
Ada library unit visible within another Ada compilation unit.
(ATLAS) 1226.2-1993w
withdrawal weighting Response weighting by omission of se-
lected fingers, or weighting by changing the connections of
selected fingers from one bus bar to the other.
(UFFC) 1037-1992w
withholder (microprocessor architectures) A potential master
that requires control of the bus module and is fairness inhib-
ited. (MM/C) 896.1-1987s
withstand current (1) (surge) The crest value attained by a
surge of a given wave shape and polarity that does not cause
disruptive discharge on the test specimen. (T&D/PE) [10]
(2) See also: rated short-time withstand current.
(IA/PSP) 1015-1997
withstand probability The probability that one application of
a prospective voltage of a given shape and type will not cause
a disruptive discharge. (PE/PSIM) 4-1995
withstand rating See: rated short-time withstand current.
withstand test voltage The voltage that the device must with-
stand without flashover, disruptive discharge, puncture, or
other electrical failure when voltage is applied under specified
conditions. Note: For power frequency voltages, the values
specified are RMS values and for a specified time. For light-
ning or switching impulse voltages, the values specified are
crest values of a specified wave. For direct voltages, the val-
ues specified are average values and for a specified time.
(PE/IC) 48-1996
withstand voltage (1) (impulse) (electric power) The crest
value attained by an impulse of any given wave shape, po-
larity, and amplitude, that does not cause disruptive discharge
on the test specimen. (SPD/PE) 32-1972r
(2) (surge arresters) A specified voltage that is to be applied
to a test object in a withstand test under specified conditions.
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1283 word
During the test, in general no disruptive discharge should oc-
cur. (PE) [8], [84]
(3) The prospective value of the test voltage that equipment
is capable of withstanding when tested under specified con-
ditions. (PE/PSIM) 4-1995
(4) The specified voltage that, under specified conditions, can
be applied to insulation without causing flashover or punc-
ture. (SWG/PE/T&D) C37.100-1992, 386-1995
(5) The voltage that an insulation is capable of withstanding.
In terms of insulation, this is expressed as either conventional
withstand voltage or statistical withstand voltage.
(PE/C/SPD) 1313.1-1996, C62.11-1999
(6) The voltage that an insulation is capable of withstanding
with a given probability of failure. In terms of insulation, this
is expressed as either conventional withstand voltage or sta-
tistical withstand voltage. (SPD/PE) C62.22-1997
withstand voltage test A high-voltage test that the armature
winding must withstand without flashover or other electric
failure at a specified voltage for a specified time and under
specified conditions. (PE/EM) 433-1974r
word (1) (mathematics of computing) A sequence of bits or
characters that is stored, addressed, transmitted, and operated
on as a unit within a given computer.
(C) 610.7-1995, 1084-1986w
(2) (microprocessor operating systems) An ordered set of
bytes or bits that is the normal unit in which information may
be stored, transmitted, or operated on within a given com-
puter. (C/MM) 162-1963w, 855-1990
(3) (signals and paths) (microcomputer system bus) Two
bytes or sixteen bits operated on as a unit.
(C/MM) 796-1983r
(4) (696 interface devices) A set of bit-parallel signals cor-
responding to binary digits and operated on as a unit. For
IEEE Std 696-1983 word connotes a group of 16 bits where
the most significant bit carries the subscript 15 and the least
significant bit carries the subscript 0. (MM/C) 696-1983w
(5) (mathematics of computing) (software) (data manage-
ment) A sequence of bits or characters that is stored, ad-
dressed, transmitted, and operated on as a unit within a given
computer. (C) 610.5-1990w, 610.12-1990, 1084-1986w
(6) (software) (data management) An element of computer
storage that can hold a sequence of bits or characters as in
the following definition for “word:” A sequence of bits or
characters that is stored, addressed, transmitted, and operated
on as a unit within a given computer.
(C) 610.5-1990w, 610.12-1990
(7) (software) A sequence of bits or characters that has mean-
ing and is considered an entity in some language; for example,
a reserved word in a computer language. (C) 610.12-1990
(8) (SBX bus) Two bytes operated on as a unit.
(MM/C) 959-1988r
(9) (NuBus) For the purpose of IEEE Std 1196-1987, 32-bit
data item taken as a unit. (C/MM) 1196-1987w
(10) A group of adjacent binary digits operated on as a unit.
Usually an integral number of octets.
(SUB/PE) 999-1992w
(11) Four bytes or 32 bits operated on as a unit. The most
significant byte carries the index value 0 and the least signif-
icant byte carries the index value 3. (C/BA) 1496-1993w
(12) An aligned quadlet. Note: The definition of this term is
architecture-dependent, and so may differ from that used in
other processor architectures. (C/MM) 1754-1994
(13) An ordered set of 16 bits operated on as a unit. The most
significant bit is labeled bit 15 and the least significant bit is
labeled bit 0. Note: When a word of data is embedded in a
MTM-Bus packet, bit ⬍0⬎ of the data word is placed in bit
具1典 of the 17-bit packet. (TT/C) 1149.5-1995
(14) An element of computer storage that can hold a sequence
of bits or characters as in (1). (C) 610.7-1995
(15) In the shell command language, a token other than an
operator. In some cases a word is also a portion of a word Short
token: in the various forms of parameter expansion (3.6.2), Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
word address format 1284
such as $ {name-word}, and variable assignment, such as
name ⫽ word, the word is the portion of the token depicted
by word. The concept of a word is no longer applicable fol-
lowing word expansions— only fields remain.
(C/PA) 9945-2-1993
(16) A character string or bit string that is considered as an
entity. (C/ED) 610.10-1994w, 1005-1998
(17) A field composed of two eight-bit bytes. In a byte serial
message, the most significant byte is transmitted /received
first (big endian). It is capable of describing integers in the
decimal range ⫺32 768 to 32 767. (C/MM) 1284.1-1997
(18) See also: Forth word. (C/BA) 1275-1994
word address format Addressing each word of a block by one
or more characters that identify the meaning of the word.
(IA) [61]
word-alterable read-only memory (WAROM) A memory
that permits erasing and writing to memory cells constituting
a computer word without disturbing any other word.
(ED) 641-1987w
word and author index (WADEX) A variation of a keyword
out of context (KWOC) index in which author and keyword
entries are combined and presented in a KWOC format. Con-
trast with: author and keyword in context index.
(C) 610.2-1987
word clear Operation that sets all bits of a word to a common
logic “1” state. (ED) 1005-1998
word erase The operation of removing the electrons from all
bits in a word. (ED) 1005-1998
word index An automatic index containing an alphabetical list
of the words found in a given text and indicating the number
of times each word occurs in the text and each word’s position
in the text. (C) 610.2-1987
word length (1) (hybrid computer linkage components) (an-
alog-to-digital converter) The number of data bits, including
sign, that form the digital representation of the analog input
in a prescribed voltage range. (C) 166-1977w
(2) (digital-to-analog converter) The number of data bits,
including sign, in the digital register of a digital-to-analog
converter, or a digital-to-analog multiplier. (C) 166-1977w
(3) The number of characters or bits in a word.
(C) 610.10-1994w
word-line The line, determined by the row addresses (output of
the X decoder), that is used to access the appropriate memory
transistors, pass gate, or byte and row select transistors during
a read or write. (ED) 1005-1998
word mark A mark that indicates the beginning or end of a
word. Note: Used when word length is not fixed by the ar-
chitecture but can vary under software control.
(C) 610.10-1994w
word name A text string denoting a particular Forth word.
(C/BA) 1275-1994
word-organized storage A type of storage in which data can
be stored or from which data can be retrieved in units of
computer words. (C) 610.10-1994w
word processing (WP) The use of computers to enter, view,
edit, store, retrieve, manipulate, organize, transmit, and print
textual material. A word processor system typically includes
text editing and text formatting. Synonym: text processing.
See also: dedicated word processing; shared-logic word pro-
cessing; shared-resource word processing; word processor;
office automation; stand-alone word processing; clustered
word processing. (C) 610.2-1987
word processing output microfilm (WPOM) Microimages
produced by a word processor. (C) 610.2-1987
word processor (WP) (A) A computer capable of performing
word processing functions. (B) A computer program capable
of performing word processing functions. See also: text edi-
tor; text formatter. (C) 610.2-1987
word serial The simplest required communication protocol sup-
ported by message-based devices in the VXIbus system. It
utilizes the A16 communication registers to transfer data
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working reference system
using a simple polling handshake method.
(C/MM) 1155-1992
word time (electronic computation) In a storage device that
provides serial access to storage locations, the time interval
between the appearance of corresponding parts of successive
words. See also: minor cycle.
(C) [20], [85], 610.10-1994w
word wrap The ability of a word processing system to divide
text into lines that fit into the horizontal space available on a
display device without leaving broken words or requiring ex-
plicit carriage returns. (C) 610.2-1987
work The work done by a force is the dot-product line integral
of the force. See also: line integral. (Std100) 270-1966w
work activity A collection of work tasks spanning a fixed du-
ration within the schedule of a software project. Work activ-
ities may contain other work activities, as in a work break-
down structure. The lowest-level work activities in a
hierarchy of activities are work tasks. Typical work activities
include project planning, requirements specification, software
design, implementation, and testing. (C/SE) 1058-1998
work area The region of a window where controls such as but-
tons, settings, and text fields are displayed.
(C) 1295-1993w
work coil See: load, work, or heater coil.
worker certification The act of documenting the training and
demonstrated proficiency of the worker for the task to be per-
formed. (T&D/PE) 1307-1996
work file (A) (data management) A file used to provide storage
space for data that is needed only during the duration of a
particular event, such as the execution of a computer program.
(B) (data management) In sorting, an intermediate file used
for temporary storage of data between phases of the sort.
(C) 610.5-1990
work function The minimum energy required to remove an
electron from the Fermi level of a material into field-free
space. Note: Work function is commonly expressed in elec-
tron volts. (ED) 161-1971w
working (electrolysis) The process of stirring additional solid
electrolyte or constituents of the electrolyte into the fused
electrolyte in order to produce a uniform solution thereof. See
also: fused electrolyte. (PE/EEC) [119]
working area See: working space.
working directory A directory, associated with a process, that
is used in pathname resolution for pathnames that do not be-
gin with a slash. Synonym: current working directory.
(C/PA) 9945-2-1993, 9945-1-1996, 1003.5-1999
working distance (x-ray energy spectrometers) The distance,
measured along the working axis, between the source of
x-rays and the outermost window on the detector.
(NPS/NID) 759-1984r
working ground See: personal ground.
working level Any combination of short-lived radon daughters
in air that will result in the ultimate emission of 1.3 ⫻ 105
MeV of alpha-particle energy. (NI) N42.17B-1989r
working level monitor Monitors used to measure the alpha-
energy deposition from the decay of radon daughters. Cali-
brated in units of working levels. (NI) N42.17B-1989r
working optical aperture (acousto-optic device) That aperture
which is equal to the size of the acoustic column that the light
will encounter. (UFFC) [23]
working point See: operating point.
working pressure The pressure, measured at the cylinder of a
hydraulic elevator, when lifting the car and its rated load at
rated speed. See also: elevator. (EEC/PE) [119]
working reference system A secondary reference telephone
system consisting of a specified combination of telephone
sets, subscriber lines, and battery supply circuits connected
through a variable distortionless trunk and used under spec-
ified conditions for determining, by comparison, the trans-
mission performance of other telephone systems and com- Short
ponents. (EEC/PE) [119] Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
working set 1285
working set (software) In the paging method of storage allo-
cation, the set of pages that are most likely to be resident in
main storage at any given point of a program’s execution.
(C) 610.12-1990
working space (software) That portion of main storage that is
assigned to a computer program for temporary storage of data.
Synonyms: working storage; working store; working area.
(C) 610.12-1990, 610.10-1994w
working standard (luminous standards) (illuminating engi-
neering) A standardized light source for regular use in pho-
tometry. (EEC/IE) [126]
working storage See: temporary storage; working space.
working store See: working space.
working stress See: acting stress.
working value The electrical value that when applied to an
electromagnetic instrument causes the movable member to
move to its fully energized position. This value is frequently
greater than pick-up. See also: pickup. (EEC/PE) [119]
working voltage to ground (electric instruments) The highest
voltage, in terms of maximum peak value, that should exist
between any terminal of the instrument proper on the panel,
or other mounting surface, and ground. See also: instrument.
(EEC/AII) [102]
work in progress Production units in a semifinished state, either
being processed or waiting in buffer inventories between pro-
cessing steps. (SCC22) 1346-1998
workload (software) The mix of tasks typically run on a given
computer system. Major characteristics include input/output
requirements, amount and kinds of computation, and com-
puter resources required. See also: workload model.
(C) 610.12-1990
workload model (software) A model used in computer per-
formance evaluation, depicting resource utilization and per-
formance measures for anticipated or actual workloads in a
computer system. See also: system model.
(C) 610.12-1990
work package A specification of the work that must be accom-
plished to complete a work task. A work package should have
a unique name and identifier, preconditions for initiating the
work, staffing requirements, other needed resources, work
products to be generated, estimated duration, risks factors,
predecessor and successor work tasks, any special consider-
ations for the work, and the completion criteria for the work
package— including quality criteria for the work products to
be generated. (C/SE) 1058-1998
work permit The authorization to perform work on a circuit.
Synonyms: guarantee; clearance. (T&D/PE) 516-1995
work plane (1) (illuminating engineering) The plane on which
work is usually done, and on which the illuminance is spec-
ified and measured. Unless otherwise indicated, this is as-
sumed to be a horizontal plane 0.76 m (30 inches) above the
floor. (EEC/IE) [126]
(2) (electric power systems in commercial buildings) The
plane in which visual tasks are located.
(IA/PSE) 241-1990r
work pole See: stick.
work positioning system A system of equipment or hardware
that, when used with a line-worker’s body belt or full body
harness, allows a worker to be supported on an elevated ver-
tical surface, such as a pole or tower, and work with both
hands free. The primary difference between a positioning de-
vice system and a fall arrest system is that the positioning
device supports a worker to prevent a fall, while a fall arrest
system is used to stop the descent of a worker who has ac-
tually fallen from an elevated surface.
(T&D/PE) 1307-1996
work product Any tangible item produced during the process
of developing or modifying software. Examples of work
products include the project plan, supporting process require-
ments, design documentation, source code, test plans, meet-
ing minutes, schedules, budgets, and problem reports. Some
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world-zone number
subset of the work products will be baselined and some will
form the set of project deliverables. (C/SE) 1058-1998
worksite (as applied to fall protection) The location on the struc-
ture or equipment where, after the worker has completed the
climbing (horizontally and vertically), the worker is in posi-
tion to perform the assigned work or task.
(NESC/T&D/PE) C2-1997, 1307-1996
workspace (1) A repository for instances of OM classes in the
closures of one or more packages associated with the work-
space. (C/PA) 1327.2-1993w, 1224.2-1993w
(2) A repository for instances of classes in the closures of one
or more packages associated with the workspace.
(C/PA) 1238.1-1994w, 1224-1993w
(3) See also: user working area. 610.5-1990w
workspace interface The interface as realized, for the benefit
of the dispatcher, by each workspace individually.
(C/PA) 1328-1993w, 1327-1993w
workstation (A) An input-output device employed to perform
applications such as data processing, software development,
or computer-aided design. See also: data input station. (B) A
single-user computer system that is dedicated to a particular
task. Note: This term is commonly used in reference to an
extremely powerful personal computer. See also: diskless
workstation. (C) A device used to perform tasks such as data
processing and word processing.
(C) 610.10-1994, 610.2-1987
work stick See: stick.
work task The smallest unit of work subject to management
accountability. A work task must be small enough to allow
adequate planning and control of a software project, but large
enough to avoid micro-management. The specification of
work to be accomplished in completing a work task should
be documented in a work package. Related work tasks should
be grouped to form supporting processes and work activities.
(C/SE) 1058-1998
world coordinate system (1) (computer graphics) A device-
independent Cartesian coordinate system used to define a
model in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional world. See
also: normalized device coordinate system; viewing transfor-
mation. (C) 610.6-1991w
(2) The right-handed geocentric Cartesian system. The shape
of the world is described in DMA TR 8350.2, 1987. The
origin of the world coordinate system is the centroid of the
earth. The axes of this system are labeled X, Y, and Z, with
the positive X-axis passing through the prime meridian at the
equator, with the positive Y-axis passing through 90⬚ east
longitude at the equator and the positive Z-axis passing
through the north pole. (DIS/C) 1278.1-1995
world-numbering plan (telephone switching systems) The ar-
rangement whereby, for the purpose of international distance
dialing, every telephone main station in the world is identified
by a unique number having a maximum of twelve digits rep-
resenting a country code plus a national number.
(COM) 312-1977w
world-zone number (telephone switching systems) The first
digit of a country code. In the world-numbering plan, this
number identifies one of the larger geographical areas into
which the world is arranged, namely:
Zone 1— North America (includes areas operating with uni-
fied regional numbering).
Zone 2— Africa
Zone 3 & 4— Europe
Zone 5— South America, Cuba, Central America including
part of Mexico
Zone 6— South Pacific (Australia-Asia)
Zone 7— Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Zone 8— North Pacific (Eastern Asia)
Zone 9— Far East and Middle East
Zone 0— Spare
Short
(COM) 312-1977w Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
WORM
WORM See: write-once/read-many; write-once/read-multiple;
write-once/read-mostly.
WORM drive A disk drive that uses write-once/read-many
technology to store and retrieve data. (C) 610.10-1994w
worm-geared machine (elevators) A direct-drive machine in
which the energy from the motor is transmitted to the driving
sheave or drum through worm gearing. See also: driving ma-
chine. (EEC/PE) [119]
worst-case modal bandwidth (WCMB) The lowest value of
the modal bandwidth found when measured using either an
overfilled launch (OFL) or a radial overfilled launch (ROFL).
(C/LM) 802.3-1998
worst-case retention failure The change of state of any mem-
ory cell from the last-written state, even if the state later re-
turns to that last-written state. (ED) 641-1987w
worst-case retention time The time interval between the instant
of writing a memory pattern into a memory and the first
worst-case retention failure. (ED) 641-1987w
wound rotor (rotating machinery) A rotor core assembly hav-
ing a winding made up of individually insulated wires. See
also: asynchronous machine. (PE) [9]
wound-rotor induction motor (1) (rotating machinery) An
induction motor in which a primary winding on one member
(usually the stator) is connected to the alternating-current
power source and a secondary polyphase coil winding on the
other member (usually the rotor) carries alternating current
produced by electromagnetic induction. Note: The termina-
tions of the rotor winding are usually connected to collector
rings. The brush terminals may be either short-circuited or
closed through suitable adjustable circuits. See also: asyn-
chronous machine. (PE) [9]
(2) An induction motor in which the secondary circuit con-
sists of polyphase winding or coils whose terminals are either
short-circuited or closed through suitable circuits. (When pro-
vided with collector or slip rings, it is also known as a slip-
ring induction motor.) (IA/MT) 45-1998
wound stator core (rotating machinery) A stator core into
which the stator winding, with all insulating elements and
lacing has been placed, including any components imbedded
in or attached to the winding, and including the lead cable
when this is used. See also: stator. (PE) [9]
wound-type current transformer A current transformer that
has a primary winding consisting of one or more turns me-
chanically encircling the core or cores. The primary and sec-
ondary windings are insulated from each other and from the
core(s) and are assembled as an integral structure.
(PE/PSR/TR) C37.110-1996, C57.12.80-1978r,
C57.13-1993
woven wire grip A device designed to permit the temporary
joining or pulling of conductors without the need of special
eyes, links, or grips Synonyms: Chinese finger; sock; basket;
wire mesh grip; Kellem. (T&D/PE) 524-1992r
wow (sound recording and reproducing equipment) Fre-
quency modulation of the signal in the range of approximately
0.5 Hz to 6 Hz, resulting in distortion that may be perceived
as a fluctuation of pitch of a tone or program. Note: Meas-
urement of unweighted wow only is not covered by IEEE Std
193-1971w. (SP) 193-1971w
WP See: word processing; word processor.
WPOM See: word processing output microfilm.
wrap One convolution of a length of ferromagnetic tape about
the axis. See also: tape-wound core. (Std100) 163-1959w
wrap-around (computer graphics) A situation in which a dis-
play element goes off one side of the display surface and
reappears on the opposite side. Note: Clipping is often used
to prevent this. See also: word wrap; clipping; scissoring.
(C) 610.6-1991w
wrapper (A) (rotating machinery) A relatively thin flexible
sheet material capable of being formed around the slot section
of a coil to provide complete enclosure. (B) (rotating ma-
chinery) The outer cylindrical frame component used to con-
tain the ventilating gas. See also: stator; rotor. (PE) [9]
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1286 write frame
wrapping Reconfiguration function that involves dual ring sta-
tions using contra-rotating links to avoid a failed link or node.
(LM/C) 802.5c-1991r
wrap thickness The distance between corresponding points on
two consecutive wraps, measured parallel to the ferromag-
netic tape thickness. See also: tape-wound core.
(Std100) 163-1959w
wrap width See: tape-wound core.
write (1) To introduce data, usually into some form of storage.
(ED/MIL/C) 158-1962w, [2], 162-1963w, [85]
(2) (charge-storage tubes) To establish a charge pattern cor-
responding to the input. (ED) 161-1971w
(3) (software) (data management) To record data in a stor-
age device or on a data medium.
(C) 610.5-1990w, 610.12-1990, 610.10-1994w
(4) To output characters to a file, such as standard output or
standard error. Unless otherwise stated, standard output is the
default output destination for all uses of the term write.
(C/PA) 9945-2-1993
(5) The process of an access unit (AU) sending data down-
stream on a bus by logically ORing its outgoing data with the
data pattern (normally all zeros) arriving from upstream on
that bus. (LM/C) 8802-6-1994
(6) The operation by which a data state is entered into one or
more memory cells. This may be a program or an erase op-
eration. (ED) 1005-1998
writeable control store (WCS) A control store implemented in
read/write memory to allow the processor instruction set to
be redefined or extended at a later date. (C) 610.10-1994w
write access (data management) A type of access to data in
which data may be written. Synonym: write-only access. See
also: delete access; read/write access; read-only access; up-
date access. (C) 610.5-1990w
write-after-read To write recently-read data back into storage
after completion of the read cycle in order to prevent data
loss. Note: Some media lose data by the mere act of being
read and must be rewritten with the data.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write barrier See: barrier transaction.
write circuitry Section of the memory that is used in the alter-
ation of the stored data during the write operation.
(ED) 1005-1998
write cycle (1) (write) A cycle in which the direction of data
flow is from a master to slave(s). (NID) 960-1993
(2) A cycle in which data are transferred to some storage lo-
cation from the device that requested the write. Contrast: read
cycle. (C) 610.10-1994w
(3) A data transfer bus (DTB) cycle that is used to transfer 1,
2, 3, or 4 bytes from a master to a slave. The cycle begins
when the master broadcasts an address and an address mod-
ifier and places data on the data transfer bus (DTB). Each
slave captures the address and the address modifier and ver-
ifies if it will respond to the cycle. If it is intended to respond,
it stores the data and then acknowledges the transfer. The
master then terminates the cycle. (C/BA) 1014-1987
write cycle time The minimum time interval between the starts
of successive write cycles of a storage device that has separate
reading and writing cycles. Contrast: read cycle time.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write data transfer One or more data transfers from the bus
owner to a replying agent(s), with uninterrupted bus owner-
ship. (C/MM) 1296-1987s
write disturb The corruption of data in one location caused by
the writing of data at another location. (ED) 1005-1998
write enable (semiconductor memory) The inputs that when
true enable writing data into the memory. The data sheet must
define the effect of both states of this input on the reading of
data and the condition of the output. (TT/C) 662-1980s
write-enable ring See: write ring.
write frame The transfer of data from a Network Capable Ap-
plication Processor to a Smart Transducer Interface Module. Short
(IM/ST) 1451.2-1997 Stand
Long
39210 IEEE Dictionary IEEES
write head
write head A head capable of writing information on the me-
dium. Contrast: read/write head; read head.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write high (metal-nitride-oxide field-effect transistor) Pro-
cess of generating a threshold voltage condition that increases
source to drain current (high-conductance state) for a given
gate to source voltage. (ED) 581-1978w
write low (metal-nitride-oxide field-effect transistor) Process
of generating a threshold voltage condition that decreases
source to drain current (low-conductance state) for a given
gate to source voltage. (ED) 581-1978w
write-once/read-many (WORM) Pertaining to a storage me-
dium which, once written to, cannot be changed or updated.
Synonyms: write-once/read-mostly; write-once/read-multiple.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write-once/read-mostly (WORM) See: write-once/read-
many.
write-once/read-multiple (WORM) See: write-once/read-
many.
write one to clear A method used to clear specific bits in a
register. For example, if a write one to clear register contained
0xFFFFFFFF and the value 0x00800000 was written into it,
the contents of the register would become 0xFF7FFFFF.
(C/BA) 896.2-1991w, 896.10-1997
write-only access See: write access.
write-protect label A removable label, the presence of which
on a diskette prevents writing on the diskette. Note: Generally
used only on floppy disks that are flexible. Contrast: write-
protect tab. See also: write-protect notch.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write-protect mechanism Any mechanism employed to pre-
vent accidentally destroying data on a data medium. For ex-
ample, a write ring on a magnetic tape, or a write-protect
notch on a floppy disk. (C) 610.10-1994w
write-protect notch A write-protect mechanism on flexible
magnetic disks consisting of a notch on the side of the disk.
Note: When the notch is not covered by a write-protect label,
the disk is unprotected and may be written upon; when it is
covered, the disk is write-protected. (C) 610.10-1994w
write-protect ring See: write ring.
write-protect tab A write-protect mechanism used on rigid
floppy disks consisting of a small plastic tab that slides back
and forth over a hole. Note: When the hole is covered, the
disk is unprotected and may be written upon. Contrast: write-
protect label. (C) 610.10-1994w
write pulse See: ONE state.
write ready violation A word-serial protocol error that occurs
when data is written to a servant while its write ready bit is
zero (0). (C/MM) 1155-1992
write ring A removable plastic or metal ring that can be inserted
within a tape reel to permit writing on the tape. Note: If the
tape is mounted without a write ring, data may not be written
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1287 wye rectifier circuit
on the tape; the tape is said to be “write protected.” Synonyms:
write-enable ring; safety ring; file-protection ring; write-pro-
tect ring. See also: write-protect mechanism.
(C) 610.10-1994w
write transaction A transaction that passes an address, size pa-
rameter, and data values from the requester to the responder.
The size parameter specifies the number of bytes that are
transferred. (C/MM) 1212-1991s
writing characteristic (metal-nitride-oxide field-effect tran-
sistor) The collection of high-conduction and low-conduction
threshold voltage data as a function of the writing pulse width
of both writing voltage polarities. (ED) 581-1978w
writing line An imaginary line on which the bottom of a dis-
played, printed, or typed character, excluding descenders,
rests. See also: printing line; display line.
(C) 610.10-1994w
writing rate (1) (storage tubes) The time rate of writing on a
storage element, line, or area to change it from one specified
level to another. Note the distinction between this and writing
speed. See also: storage tube. (ED) 158-1962w
(2) (oscilloscopes) See also: writing time/division.
writing speed (storage tubes) Lineal scanning rate of the beam
across the storage surface in writing. Note the distinction be-
tween this and writing rate. See also: storage tube.
(ED) 158-1962w, 161-1971w
writing speed, maximum usable See: maximum usable writing
speed.
writing tablet See: data tablet.
writing time/division (oscilloscopes) The minimum time per
unit distance required to record a trace. The method of re-
cording must be specified. (IM) 311-1970w
writing time, minimum usable See: minimum usable writing
time.
Wullenweber antenna An antenna consisting of a circular array
of radiating elements, each having its maximum directivity
along the outward radial, and a feed system that provides a
steerable beam that is narrow in the azimuth plane.
(AP/ANT) 145-1993
wye connection (power and distribution transformers) So
connected that one end of each of the windings of a polyphase
transformer (or of each of the windings for the same rated
voltage of single-phase transformers associated in a poly-
phase bank) is connected to a common point (the neutral
point) and the other end to its appropriate line terminal. Syn-
onym: Y connection. (PE/TR) C57.12.80-1978r
wye junction (waveguide components) A junction of wave-
guides or transmission lines in which the longitudinal guide
axes form a Y. (MTT) 147-1979w
wye rectifier circuit A circuit employing three or more recti-
fying elements with a conducting period of 120 electrical de-
grees plus the commutating angle. See also: rectification.
(EEC/PE) [119]
Short
Stand
Long