Aerator
The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
Advertisement For Bids
Published public notice soliciting bids for a construction project. Most frequently used to conform to legal requirements pertaining to projects to be constructed under public authority, and usually published on newspapers of general circulation in those districts from which the public funds are derived.
Aedicule
A pedimented entablature with columns used to frame a window or niche
Advanced Decay
the older stage of decay in which disintegration is readily recognized
Administrative Origin
The person or corporate body responsible for gathering together and maintaining a group of documents.
Adsorbant
A material that has the ability to cause molecules of gases, liquids, or solids to adhere to its surfaces without changing the adsorbent physically or chemically.
ADL
Abbreviation for 'After Dead Load is Applied'.
Admixture
A chemical which is added to concrete to accelerate or retard the setting process or to create air bubbles in the concrete, called "accelerators," or :air entraining agents." A prepared substance added to concrete to alter or achieve certain characteristics.
Additive
Materials mixed with a basic plastic resin to alter its properties.
Adhesive
A sticky substance to bond one material to another. Use the term "Adhere" instead of "Glue." Do not use "Glue," "Cement," or Mastic." A substance used to hold materials together by surface attachment.
Adhesion
The ability of a coating to stick to another surface.
Addition
An extension or in crease in floor area or height of a building or structure.
Acrylic (paint), Acrylic Latex
A paint composed of acrylic resins, thinned with water.
Active Pressure
The pressure exerted by retained earth against a retaining wall.
Active Door
The door people use every time they enter or leave the house. When there are double doors, it is the door that opens with an entry set knob or lever. The other door is called the inactive door and opens when the flush bolts are released.
Addendum
Written or graphic instruments issued prior to the execution of the Contract which modify or interpret the bidding documents, including Drawings and Specifications, by additions, deletions, clarifications or corrections. Addenda will become part of the Contract Documents when the Construction Contract is executed. (Plural-"Addenda".)
Acrylic
A transparent thermoplastic made from esters of acrylic acid.
Acoustical Tile, Acoustical Panel
A ceiling or wall tile finishing material with an inherent property to absorb sound; usually made of mineral, fiber or insulated metal materials. Not "Acoustic Tile" or "Acoustical Board." A ceiling or wall tile finishing material with an inherent property to absorb sound; usually made of mineral, fiber or insulated metal materials. Not "Acoustic Tile" or "Acoustical Board."
Acoustics
Science dealing with the production, control, transmission, reception and effects of sound, and the process of hearing.
Acre
An area measurement of land. An acre measures 43,560 square feet.