DelayA device used to obtain detonation of charges at separate times. An electric blasting cap which explodes at a set interval after current is passed through…
Delay patternOrder of firing charges obtained by arranging delays to fire separate holes or series of holes at different times.
DeletionDeletion is the process whereby data is removed from active files and other data storage structures on computers and rendered inaccessible except using…
Deletion mapA description of a specific chromosome that uses defined mutations --specific deleted areas in the genome-- as 'biochemical signposts,' or markers for…
deliberate releaseIn a biotechnology context, the intentional release of genetically modified organisms.
DeliveryThe amount of water delivered to the point of use. The difference between delivery and release is usually the same as consumptive use.
Delivery Point(s)An industry-designated location at which delivery may be made in fulfillment of contract terms.
DeltaThe relationship between an option's price and the price of the underlying stock or futures contract is called its delta.
Delta TChange in temperature. 1) A simple representation of the mean lapse rate within a layer of the atmosphere, obtained by calculating the difference between…
DemandForm PCT/IPEA/401, filed with an International Preliminary Examining Authority, demanding that an international application shall be the subject of an…
Demand (Tankless) Water HeaterA type of water heater that has no storage tank thus eliminating storage tank stand-by losses.
Demand ChargeA charge for the maximum rate at which energy is used during peak hours of a billing period.
Demand elasticityThe degree to which demand changes relative to a change in price.
Demand schedulingMethod of irrigation scheduling whereby water is delivered to users as needed and which may vary in flow rate, frequency and duration.
Demand(ed) FactorThe ratio of the maximum demand on an electricity generating and distribution system to the total connected load on the system; usually expressed as a…
Demand-side managementSpecific actions taken by utility companies, their regulators, and other entities to induce, influence, or compel consumers to reduce their energy…
Demand-Side Management (DSM)(DSM)The process of managing the consumption of energy, generally to optimize available and planned generation resources.
DemersalFish eggs or organisms that hatch on the bottom of a lake or stream.
demineralizeTo remove the mineral content (salts, ions) from a substance, especially water. Removal methods include distillation, electrodialysis and ion exchange.
DemographicRelated to the vital statistics of human populations (size, density, growth, distribution, etc.) and the effect of these on social and economic conditions.
DemographicsRelating to the statistical study of human populations.
denaturantA substance that makes ethanol unfit for consumption.
DenatureTo induce structural alterations that disrupt the biological activity of a molecule.
DenaturedEthanol that has had a substance added to make it unfit for human consumption.
denatured DNADouble-stranded DNA that has been converted to single strands by breaking the hydrogen bonds linking complementary nucleotide pairs. Often reversible.
denatured proteinAltering the in vivo conformation of a protein by heat or salt treatment, thereby destroying its biological activity.
denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis(Abbreviation: DGGE ). An electrophoresis method for separating similar sized DNA fragments on the basis of their sequence, by applying across the gel a…
dendrimerA polymer that repeatedly branches until stopped by the physical constraint of having formed a complete, hollow sphere.
DendriteExtension of a nerve cell, typically branched and relatively short, that receives stimuli from other nerve cells.
DendritesThin branch-like growth of ice on the water surface.
DendriticChannel pattern of streams with tributaries that branch to form a tree-like pattern.
Dendritic Web TechniqueA method for making sheets of polycrystalline silicon in which silicon dendrites are slowly withdrawn from a melt of silicon whereupon a web of silicon…
denitrificationA chemical process in which nitrates in the soil are reduced to molecular nitrogen, which is released to the atmosphere.
Dense Fog AdvisoryIssued when fog reduces visibility to 1/8 mile or less over a widespread area.
DensificationA mechanical process to compress biomass (usually wood waste) into pellets, briquettes, cubes, or densified logs.
DensityThe average number of people, families, or housing units on one unit of land. Density is also expressed as dwelling units per acre.
Density bonusAllows developers to build in specified areas densities that are higher than normally allowed.
Density CurrentA flow of water maintained by gravity through a large body of water, such as a reservoir or lake, and retaining its unmixed identity because of a…
Density Fluctuations in MatterRegions of greater and lesser mass density, which can form into structure such as galaxies, clusters, etc.
Density gradient centrifugationHigh-speed centrifugation in which molecules "float" at a point where their density equals that in a gradient of cesium chloride or sucrose.
Density of SnowThe ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the volume which a given quantity of snow would occupy if it were reduced to water, to the volume of the snow.
Dental pulpThe soft part inside a tooth, containing blood vessels and nerves.
deoxyribonucleic acid(dee-OK-see-RY-boh-noo-KLEE-ik A-sid) The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)(DNA)a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses.
Department of Agriculture (USDA)(USDA)A federal government agency involved in rural development, marketing and regulatory programs, food safety, research, education and economics, food…
Department of Energy (DOE)(DOE)In 1989, the Department of Energy (DOE) created the Office of Environmental Management (EM) to mitigate the risks and hazards posed by the legacy of…
Dependable CapacityThe load-carrying ability of an electric power plant during a specific time interval and period when related to the characteristics of the load to…
DepletionNet loss of water through consumption, export, and other uses to a given area, river system, or basin.
Depletion CurveThat part of the hydrograph extending from the point of termination of the Recession Curve to the subsequent rise or alternation of inflow due to…
DepositAn amount of money paid to the court. Hennepin County Housing Court can only accept cash and certified checks; personal checks, third-party checks, and…
DepositionAn oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths.
DepressionA depression is a severe and prolonged downturn in the economy. Prices fall, reducing purchasing power.
Depression StorageThe volume of water contained in natural depressions in the land surface, such as puddles.
Depth of cutoffThe vertical distance that the cutoff penetrates into the dam foundation.
Depth of RunoffThe total runoff from a drainage basin, divided by its area. For convenience in comparing runoff with precipitation, the term is usually expressed in…
Depth of snowDepth of snow Vertical interval between the top surface of a snow layer and the ground beneath; the layer is assumed to be evenly spread over the ground…
DeratingThe production of energy by a system or appliance at a level less than its design or nominal capacity.
Derecho(Pronounced day-RAY-cho), a widespread and usually fast-moving windstorm associated with convection.
DeregulationThe process of changing regulatory policies and laws to increase competition among suppliers of commodities and services.
derepressionThe process of "turning on" the expression of a gene or set of genes whose expression has been repressed (turned off), usually by the displacement of a…
DerivativeDerivatives are financial products, such as futures contracts, options, and mortgage-backed securities.
derived productA new datastream generated by applying an algorithm or model to existing data.
dermal uptakeThe transfer of a contaminant from air, water, or soil into or through the outer skin layer; considered an exposure route in an exposure assessment.
DerrickUsually a non-mobile tower equipped with a hoist, but may be used as a synonym for a crane.
DesalinizationThe removal of dissolved salts from water by natural means (leaching) or by specific water treatment processes.
DesertArid region receiving less than 10 inches of precipitation annually.
Desert benchA relatively flat terrace elevated above the surface of a desert alluvial feature, such as an ephemeral stream or wash.
Desert duneA wind-created ridge or mound of sand that is found in deserts or near oceans and lakes.
Desert focal bird speciesBird species whose requirements define spatial attributes, habitat characteristics, and management regimes representative of a healthy desert system.
Desert pavementA surface layer of closely packed, loosely cemented pebbles. See also Pediment
Desert riparian habitatHabitats characterized as dense groves of low shrublike trees, or tall shrubs to woodlands of small to medium-sized trees.
Desert scrubThe desert scrub community is characterized by plants adapted to seasonally dry climate.
Desert varnishThe thin red to black coating found on exposed rock surfaces in arid regions. Varnish is composed of clay minerals, oxides, and hydroxides of manganese…
Desert washA usually dry desert streambed that flows only after periods of heavy rain.
DesertificationWhen soil erosion is so severe that plants and animals can no longer exist.
DesiccantAny compound used to remove moisture or water.