A. Patmos's definitions

sluice gate

A vertically-lifting gate or artificial barrier which can restrict or release the flow of a liquid or fluid, esp. in the context of large volumes of water.

The sluice gate remained closed thus preventing the channel from flowing from the man-made resevoir into the ocean.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

notification bell

Popularized by the video-sharing platform YouTube, this feature (in the form of a bell icon) allows users to receive alerts about each new video uploaded to a specific channel.

YouTube creator: "Please like the video, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to get notified whenever I upload new videos to my channel!"

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

the slate

The taint region of an animal, esp. pet dogs. Due to a dog's lack of buttocks, the region between the anus and genitals tends to lack any discernible features and instead exists only as a relatively plain and flat surface.

I awoke in my bed beside my dog, whose rear end was particularly close to my face. I was initially alarmed but was relieved to find that I was in closer proximity to the slate than the actual hole.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

Fairytale Maskenfest

A masquerade ball held in Munich to celebrate German fairytales and folklore, the most significant example of this type of event being the one organized in 1862 and attended by King Ludwig II.

Many Munich artists attended the 1862 Fairytale Maskenfest dressed as fairytale characters like Puss in Boots and the Golden Goose. Archived photographs of the Maskenfest costumes were published on The Public Domain Review.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

short payment

A partial payment that is less than the total invoiced amount due to reasons like disputes, errors, or unapproved discounts.

To gracefully handle a short payment, verify the discrepancy, then promptly and professionally contact the client to understand the reason for the short payment. Based on their explanation, work with them to find a mutually agreeable solution, such as a payment plan or a future credit.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

consistometer

A consistometer is a simple tool used to measure how thick or runny a liquid or fluid (like a sauce or jelly) is.

Ketchup specialists can test how watery or gloppy their ketchup is using a consistometer device. The device releases liquid into a trough, and users can time the time and distance it takes for the liquid to release a measurement line. A longer distance indicates that the ketchup is runny; a shorter distance indicates that the ketchup is thick.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

Bostwick consistometer

A specific type of consistometer with a rectangular structure and a sluice gate; the opening of the gate causes the fluid within to flow; the distance and time it takes for the fluid to flow helps the user determine how runny or gloppy the substance is. In the United States, manufacturers of tomato ketchup are required to measure the consistency of their ketchup with a Bostwick consistometer.

Ketchup flowed through the Bostwick consistometer at a rate of 5.0 centimeters per 30 seconds, therefore it is of satisfactory consistency.

by A. Patmos November 23, 2025