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Glossary of Automotive Terms
beginning with letter S
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safety belt Tweet Definition of safety belt Like Definition of safety belt on Facebook
noun 
  1. a belt or strap that attaches a person to an immovable object for safety
     
scavenge Tweet Definition of scavenge Like Definition of scavenge on Facebook
verb (scaveng, ing)
  1. (transitive) to collect and remove refuse, or to search through refuse for useful material
  2. (transitive) to remove unwanted material from something, especially to purify molten metal by removing impurities
  3. (transitive) to expel the exhaust gases from the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and draw in air for the next cycle
  4. (intransitive) to feed on carrion or refuse
     
seat belt Tweet Definition of seat belt Like Definition of seat belt on Facebook
noun 
  1. A restraining belt attached to a vehicle seat which is fastened around passengers and which is intended to keep an occupant in place so as to avoid injuries in accidents where the occupant could be thrown against a solid object.
     
second Tweet Definition of second Like Definition of second on Facebook
noun (rfc-level, Noun at L4+ not in L3 Ety section)
  1. The SI unit of time, defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of caesium-133 in a ground state at a temperature of absolute zero and at rest; one-sixtieth of a minute.
  2. A unit of angle equal to one-sixtieth of a minute of arc or one part in 3600 of a degree.
  3. A short, indeterminate amount of time.
I'll be there in a .
  1. (context, usually in the plural) A manufactured item that, though still usable, fails to meet quality control standards.
They were discounted because they contained blemishes, nicks or were otherwise factory seconds.
  1. The attendant of a contestant in a duel or box, boxing match, who must be ready to take over if the contestant drops out. In the case of a duel, the seconds may also fight each other at 90° to the other contestants.
  2. One who agrees in addition, or such a motion, as required in certain meetings to pass judgement etc.
If we want the motion to pass, we will need a .
  1. Another chance to achieve what should have been done the first time, usually indicating success this time around. (See second-guess.)
  2. The second gear of an engine.
  3. (baseball) second base, Second base.
verb 
  1. (transitive) To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two.
I the motion.
     
self-starter Tweet Definition of self-starter Like Definition of self-starter on Facebook
noun 
  1. A person who shows initiative and resourcefulness
     
shift Tweet Definition of shift Like Definition of shift on Facebook
noun 
  1. (historical) a type of women's undergarment, a slip
Just last week she bought a new at the market.
  1. a change of workers, now specifically a set group of workers or period of working time
We'll work three shifts a day till the job's done.
  1. an act of shifting; a slight movement or change
There was a in the political atmosphere.
  1. the gear mechanism in a motor vehicle
Does it come with a stick-?
  1. a button on a keyboard, chiefly for switching between upper and lower case
If you press -P, the preview display will change.
verb 
  1. (transitive) To change, swap
His political stance shifted daily.
  1. (transitive) to move from one place to another; to redistribute
We'll have to these boxes to the downtown office.
  1. (intransitive) to change position
She shifted slightly in her seat.
  1. (intransitive) To change gears (in a car).
I crested the hill and shifted into fifth.
  1. (context, transitive, computing) to remove the first value from an array.
  2. (transitive) to dispose of
How can I a grass stain?
  1. (intransitive) to hurry
If you , you might make the 2:19.
  1. (Ireland, crude slang) to engage in sexual petting.
     
shimmy Tweet Definition of shimmy Like Definition of shimmy on Facebook
noun (shimmies)
  1. An abnormal vibration, especially in the wheels of a vehicle.
  2. (archaic) A dance that was popular in the 1920s.
  3. (rare) A sleeveless chemise.
verb (shimmies, shimmying, shimmied, )
  1. To climb sometime (e.g. a pole) gradually (e.g. using alternately one's arms then one's legs.)
He shimmied up the flagpole.
The static made her dress up her leg.
  1. (intransitive) To vibrate abnormally, as a broken wheel.
  2. (context, intransitive, rare) To shake the body as if dancing the shimmy.
     
shoe Tweet Definition of shoe Like Definition of shoe on Facebook
noun 
  1. A protective covering for the foot, with a bottom part composed of thick leather or plastic sole and often a thicker heel, and a softer upper part made of leather or synthetic material. Shoes generally do not extend above the ankle, as opposed to boot, boots, which do.
    • Get your shoes on now, or you'll be late for school.
      1. A piece of metal designed to be attached to a horse's foot as a means of protection; a horseshoe.
    • Throw the from behind the line, and try to get it to land circling (a ringer) or touching the far stake.
      1. Something resembling a shoe by function, like a brake shoe.
    • Remember to turn the rotors when replacing the brake shoes, or they will wear out unevenly.
verb (shoes, shoeing, shod)
  1. To equip an object with a protection against wear.
    • The billiard cue stick was shod in silver.
      1. To put horseshoes on a horse.
     
Slick Tweet Definition of Slick Like Definition of Slick on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. A term of address, generally applied to males, possibly including strangers, implying that the person addressed is slick in the sense of "sophisticated", but often used sarcastically.
That was a great move locking your keys in the car, Slick.
Don't you look good tonight, Slick!
     
spare Tweet Definition of spare Like Definition of spare on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of sparing; moderation; restraint.
  2. Parsimony; frugal use.
  3. An opening in a petticoat or gown; a placket.
  4. That which has not been used or expended.
  5. The right of bowling again at a full set of pins, after having knocked all the pins down in less than three bowls. If all the pins are knocked down in one bowl it is a double spare; in two bowls, a single spare.
  6. (italbrac, bowling) The act of knocking down all remaining pins in second ball of a frame; this entitles the pins knocked down on the next ball to be added to the score for that frame.
verb (spar, ing)
  1. To be frugal; not to be profuse; to live frugally; to be parsimonious.
  2. To refrain from inflicting harm; to use mercy or forbearance.
    • 1883: w:Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Louis Stevenson, w:Treasure Island, Treasure Island
    • : Kill me, if you please, or me.
      1. To desist; to stop; to refrain.
      2. To keep to one's self; to forbear to impart or give.
      3. To preserve from danger or punishment; to forbear to punish, injure, or harm; to show mercy to.
      4. To save or gain, as by frugality; to reserve, as from some occupation, use, or duty.
      5. To deprive one's self of, as by being frugal; to do without; to dispense with; to give up; to part with.
adjective (spar, er)
  1. scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.
  2. sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary.
  3. Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time.
  4. Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.
  5. lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt.
  6. slow
     
spark Tweet Definition of spark Like Definition of spark on Facebook
noun (plural sparks)
  1. A small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire.
  2. A short or small burst of electrical discharge.
  3. (figuratively) A small amount of something, such as an idea, that has the potential to become something greater, just as a spark can start a fire.
  4. (in plural sparks but treated as a singular) A ship's radio operator.
     
spark plug Tweet Definition of spark plug Like Definition of spark plug on Facebook
noun 
  1. The part of an internal combustion engine which forms a high-voltage electric spark which ignites the fuel-air mixture to begin the power stroke.
    • The is quite simple in theory: It forces electricity to arc across a gap, just like a bolt of lightning. The electricity must be at a very high voltage in order to travel across the gap and create a good spark. Voltage at the can be anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 volts. http://www.auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system2.htm
     
speed Tweet Definition of speed Like Definition of speed on Facebook
noun 
  1. the state of moving quickly or the capacity for rapid motion; rapidity
  2. the rate of motion or action, specifically (math)/(physics) the magnitude of the velocity; the rate distance is traversed in a given time
  3. (photography) the sensitivity to light of film, plates.
  4. (slang) any amphetamine drug used as a stimulant, especially illegally, especially methamphetamine
  5. (archaic) luck, success, prosperity
verb (speeds, speeding, sped or speeded)
  1. (context, archaic, intransitive) To prosper, be lucky.
  2. (context, archaic, transitive) To help someone, to give them fortune.
God speed, until we meet again.
  1. To go (too) fast.
The Ferrari was speeding along the road.
  1. To exceed the speed limit.
My mum got yet another fine for speeding.
     
speedometer Tweet Definition of speedometer Like Definition of speedometer on Facebook
noun 
  1. A device that measures, and indicates the current speed of a vehicle
  2. Such a device incorporating an odometer
     
spin Tweet Definition of spin Like Definition of spin on Facebook
noun 
  1. circular, Circular motion.
  2. (physics) A quantum angular momentum associated with subatomic particles, which also creates a magnetic moment.
  3. A favourable comment or interpretation intended to bias opinion on an otherwise unpleasant situation.
  4. (cricket) rotation, Rotation of the ball as it flies through the air; sideways movement of the ball as it bounces.
  5. A condition of flight where a stalled aircraft is simultaneously pitching, yawing and rolling in a spinning motion.
verb (spins, spinning, spun or span, spun)
  1. To turn around quickly.
  2. To present, describe, or interpret, or to introduce a bias or slant so as to give something a favorable or advantageous appearance.
2006. In every administration there will be spokesmen and public affairs officers who try to spin the news to make the president look good. But this administration is trying to spin scientific data and muzzle scientists toward that end. — The Washington Post Editorial, The Politics of Science, Thursday, February 9, 2006; Page A22 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/08/AR2006020801991.html.
  1. (context, cricket, of a bowler) To make the ball move sideways when it bounces on the pitch.
  2. (context, cricket, of a ball) To move sideways when bouncing.
adjective 
  1. (cricket) Describing a spin bowler, or his style of bowling.
     
spoiler Tweet Definition of spoiler Like Definition of spoiler on Facebook
noun 
  1. a document, review or comment that discloses the ending or some key surprise, or twist in a story. Good netiquette dictates that one warn of spoilers before discussing them, so that readers who wish to do so may experience the surprises for themselves.
  2. in aeronautics, a device to reduce lift
  3. in automobiles, a device to reduce lift and increase downforce
  4. In politics or game, gaming: an individual unable to win an election or game for him- or herself, but with the power to determine which player or candidate among two or more others does win.
     
sports car Tweet Definition of sports car Like Definition of sports car on Facebook
noun 
  1. An automobile designed for high speed and power, tight handling, and flashy looks.
     
stalk Tweet Definition of stalk Like Definition of stalk on Facebook
noun 
  1. The longish piece that supports the seed-carrying parts of a plant
verb 
  1. to approach slowly and quietly in order not to be discovered when getting closer
  2. to (try to) follow or contact someone constantly, often resulting in harassment
     
stall Tweet Definition of stall Like Definition of stall on Facebook
noun 
  1. (countable) A compartment for a single animal in a stable or cattle shed.
  2. (countable) A small open-fronted shop.
  3. A very small room used for a shower or a toilet.
Rabbit eases from the king-size bed, goes into their bathroom with its rose-colored one-piece Fiberglas tub and shower stall, and urinates into the toilet of a matching rose porcelain. - "Rabbit at Rest", by John Updike
  1. (countable) A seat in a theatre close to and (about) level with the stage.
  2. (aeronautics) loss, Loss of lift due to an airfoil's critical angle of attack being exceeded.
verb 
  1. (intransitive) To come to a standstill.
  2. (intransitive) (aeronautics) To exceed the critical angle of attack, resulting in total loss of lift.
     
starter Tweet Definition of starter Like Definition of starter on Facebook
noun 
  1. Someone who starts something.
  1. The person who starts a race by firing a gun or waving a flag
  2. (baseball) A pitcher who starts games as opposed to a relief pitcher
    1. Something that starts something.
  3. An electric motor that starts an internal combustion engine
  4. A device that initiates the flow of high voltage electricity in a fluorescent lamp
  5. A yeast culture used to start a fermentation process
    1. The first course of a meal, consisting of a small, usually savoury, dish.
    2. (sports) A player in the starting lineup
     
station wagon Tweet Definition of station wagon Like Definition of station wagon on Facebook
noun 
  1. (context, AU, US, automotive) The body style for cars, popular with families, which has an enclosed area where the boot or trunk would be on a sedan / saloon.
     
steer Tweet Definition of steer Like Definition of steer on Facebook
noun 
  1. The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production.
verb 
  1. (intransitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering-wheel).
    When planning the boat trip we had completely forgotten that we needed somebody to steer.
  2. (transitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering-wheel).
    I find it very difficult to steer a skateboard.
  3. (transitive) To direct a group of animals.
  4. (transitive) To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action.
    Hume believes that principles of association steer the imagination of artists.
  5. (transitive) To direct a conversation.
     
stud Tweet Definition of stud Like Definition of stud on Facebook
noun 
  1. A male animal, especially a stud horse (stallion), kept for breeding.
  2. herd or group of such male animals, kept primarily for breeding
  3. place (e.g. ranch) which keeps such animal(s)
  4. (colloquial) A sexually attractive man; also a lover in great demand.
     
sunroof Tweet Definition of sunroof Like Definition of sunroof on Facebook
noun 
  1. (automotive): A fixed or operable opening in a vehicle roof (car or truck) which allows fresh air and/or light to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs may include a transparent or opaque panel. Sunroofs are available in many shapes, sizes and styles, and may be manually operated or power driven.
     
supercharge Tweet Definition of supercharge Like Definition of supercharge on Facebook
verb to supercharge
  1. to increase the power of an internal combustion engine (either Otto or Diesel cycle) by compressing the inlet air with power extracted from the crankshaft.
  2. to make faster, more powerful.
     
supercharger Tweet Definition of supercharger Like Definition of supercharger on Facebook
noun 
  1. inlet air compressor for an internal combustion engine (either Otto or Diesel cycle), normally powered from the crankshaft.
     
suspension Tweet Definition of suspension Like Definition of suspension on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of suspending, or the state of being suspended
  2. A temporary delay, interruption, or cessation; Of labor, study, pain, etc.; Of decision, determination, judgment, etc.; Of judgment or opinion in view of evidence to be produced.; Of the payment of what is due; as, the suspension of a mercantile firm or of a bank.; Of punishment, or sentence of punishment.; Of a person in respect of the exercise of his office, powers, prerogative, etc.; as, the suspension of a student or of a clergyman.; Of the action or execution of law, etc.; as, the suspension of the habeas corpus act.
  3. A conditional withholding, interruption, or delay; as, the suspension of a payment on the performance of a condition.
  4. The state of a solid when its particles are mixed with, but not dissolved in, a fluid, and are capable of separation by straining; also, any substance in this state.
  5. A keeping of the hearer in doubt and in attentive expectation of what is to follow, or of what is to be the inference or conclusion from the arguments or observations employed.
  6. (Scots Law) A stay or postponement of execution of a sentence condemnatory by means of letters of suspension granted on application to the lord ordinary.
  7. (music) The prolongation of one or more tones of a chord into the chord which follows, thus producing a momentary discord, suspending the concord which the ear expects; the discord so produced. Cf. retardation.
  1. (topology) A topological space derived from another by taking the product of the original space with an interval and collapse, collapsing each end of the product to a point.
  2. (topology) A function derived, in a standard way, from another, such that the instant function's domain and codomain are suspensions of the original function's.
     

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