| Doppler effect |
the apparent shift in frequency of waves, as of sound or light, if the source and receptor are in motion relative to each other. The frequency appears to become greater if they move closer and become less if they move apart. |
| endomorphic |
of, relating to, or designating a heavy body type characterized by relative prominence of the abdomen and fatty tissues. (Cf. ectomorphic, mesomorphic.) [1/2 definitions] |
| fixed star |
any star that appears to be in a fixed position relative to other stars. |
| f-number |
the relative aperture of a camera lens, representing the light it will transmit, which is obtained by dividing the focal length of the lens by the diameter of the aperture. |
| friction |
the resistance of a surface to relative motion, as of an object sliding or rolling over it. [1/3 definitions] |
| grade |
a number or letter that indicates the relative quality of schoolwork. [1/9 definitions] |
| grandfather clause |
a former law in certain southern U.S. states that exempted white voters from the literacy requirement if their ancestors voted prior to the Civil War, and that thus enlarged the white voting population, relative to the black. [1/2 definitions] |
| greeting card |
a card that is imprinted with a design or picture and often a verse, sent on a holiday or special occasion to a friend, relative, or the like. |
| hardness |
the relative extent to which something, esp. a mineral, is hard. [1/2 definitions] |
| heir presumptive |
one whose right to inherit property or a title may be legally set aside in favor of a closer relative born before the ancestor dies. (See heir apparent.) |
| hematocrit |
a centrifuge used to separate the cells of the blood from the plasma and thus determine the relative volume of each. |
| horoscope |
a diagram of the relative positions of the stars, planets, and signs of the zodiac at a particular moment, as at the moment of someone's birth, used by astrologers to predict events. [1/2 definitions] |
| humidistat |
a device, usu. on a humidifier or dehumidifier, that measures or regulates the relative humidity in the air. |
| humidity |
the amount of water vapor in the air, relative to the greatest amount possible at a given temperature; relative humidity. [1/2 definitions] |
| inclinometer |
an instrument for measuring an aircraft's or ship's inclination relative to the horizontal. [1/2 definitions] |
| indicator |
one of the various statistical measures that show the relative stability of an economic system. [1/3 definitions] |
| in-law |
a relative by marriage. |
| Kaddish |
the five-verse form of this prayer recited by mourners following the death of a close relative. [1/2 definitions] |
| kin |
a relative. [1/4 definitions] |
| kinship |
the state or fact of being a relative or relatives, esp. by birth. [1/2 definitions] |
| kinsman |
a male relative, esp. by birth. [1/2 definitions] |