Speedog's definitions

causality

Noun (physics terminology): the natural sequential relation between any cause and its subsequent effect in the known universe, in which any effect is invariably preceded by the cause of that effect, and never the reverse.

"Newton's Third Law of Motion is essentially a confirmation of the principle of causality."

by speedog April 30, 2010

crash-launch

Noun (spaceflight terminology): to instantly activate the engine(s) of a terrestrial-situated spacecraft at 100% power, with no consideration of standard sequential gradation of thrust, in an attempt to immediately escape from an emergency situation.

"When Commander Leonov observed the escape tower separating from the Soyuz vehicle, he instantly engaged the crash-launch procedure, and saved his entire crew."

by speedog May 2, 2010

Operation Sea Lion

Noun: code name for the planned invasion of Great Britain by Nazi Germany in 1940 (German trans: "Unternehmen Seelöwe"); plan defeated by British forces on land, sea and air.

After Goering's Luftwaffe failed to achieve air superiority over Britain, Hitler was forced to cancel Operation Sea Lion.

by speedog June 25, 2010

contact

Aviation term: a verbal queue expressed by the pilot of a propeller-driven aircraft lacking a starter to a mechanic positioned forward of the engine, indicating that the pilot has connected the main electrical circuit of the aircraft via a switch in the cockpit, and that the mechanic should manually rotate the propeller in order to start the engine.

"When Lt. Rickenbacker engaged the main switch of his S.P.A.D. fighter, he shouted 'Contact!' to his mechanic to crank the propeller."

by speedog May 23, 2010

Climb Mount Nitaka

Phrase (WW II Japanese military): code phrase authorizing the activation of "Operation Z", the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Once Emperor Hirohito had given his assent to Operation Z, the code phrase "Climb Mount Nitaka" was transmitted to Admiral Yamamoto.

by speedog July 7, 2010

POD

Acronym: Passed Out Drunk

After the party nobody could locate Chuck, but it turned out he was POD in the back of Wendy's van.

by speedog July 7, 2010

shoot the pier

(Surfing term): to maneuver one's surfboard in such a manner as to attempt to pass with safety between the supporting pilings of a pier; either "head on", meaning to pass directly under the entire pier from its oceanside terminus to the beach; or "side on", meaning to pass from one side of the pier to the other at an angle oblique to the shoreline prior to reaching the beach.

"Gary said he was going to try and shoot the pier on his longboard, but we talked him out of it."

by Speedog February 1, 2010