Fluid's definitions

phlogiston

A widely-researched phenomenon in the Middle Ages, phlogiston was thought to be an inherent substance in all things that could burn. When something was burned, phlogiston was visible in the form of flame, and was released into the air. In turn, people thought something would not burn without air because the air was already "full of phlogiston" and no more could be released into the air. In short, phlogiston was believed to be the substance that fire was made of.

These days, under influence of modern science, the concept of phlogiston is usually regarded as superstition.

by Fluid March 30, 2004

fud

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. Also known as scare tactics, either accomplished by threat or making the opponent doubt his standpoint. Not only used in lawsuits, but also in politics and military propaganda.

The company's FUD spreading caused many supporters to abandon their cause, except for the few that could see through its scaremongering propaganda.

by Fluid July 14, 2003

fringe

The edge of something, often used to indicate the borderlines of a certain concept: in politics, the fringe is usually the rare bunch of extremists, or in general the outcast members of a group that are considered less than peccable members.

Shit man, you actually believe a word this guy says? He's a fringe scientist! An astrologist would be more believable!

by Fluid August 28, 2003

vexation

Old word meaning anger, agitation.

"...but the chief end I propose to my self in all my labors is to vex the world rather than divert it..."

--Jonathan Swift

by Fluid July 1, 2004

pedantic

A state of mind which is about caring a lot about formalities, often more than necessary. One may be called pedantic when he/she points out corrections in unimportant details.

Okay okay, so there were five people there instead of four, no need to be pedantic. Now anyway...

by Fluid February 5, 2004

ne bis in idem

Latin phrase meaning "not twice for the same", a legal rule that states someone cannot be prosecuted twice for the same crime. This is usually implemented into legal procedure as double jeopardy.

The prosecution attempted to have the suspect prosecuted afterwards when they found new evidence, but this was impossible because of the ne bis in idem rule.

by Fluid September 1, 2004

vcore

Core voltage of a computer system, sometimes raised for overclocking (can get too hot) or lowered for cooling (can cause system to receive insufficient power). The vcore is the base voltage value to which the voltage of the separate connections are added: 3.3V, 5V or 12V. All these things together provide the system's power.

Don't set your vcore too low, the system might not even boot up.

by Fluid September 10, 2004