A form of light microscopy in which small differences in refractive index of a transparent specimen are converted into amplitude (contrast) differences in the final image.

(aeronautics) A moveable surface attached to a machine such as an aircraft or submarine that can be used to control the machine's motion in roll, pitch or yaw.

(construction, engineering) A contractor hired to manage a project and to hire subcontractors. (If a customer serves as their own general contractor then this means they undertake the management tasks and the hiring of subcontractors.)

(conjunctive) Opposite of what had earlier been expected or assumed.

(computing) A numeric value or string of such values that triggers a specific command or action to occur, rather than displaying a text character.

Containing multiple claims or ideas that are inherently in disagreement; of something or someone that contradicts itself

(generally used in the plural when referral to a single garment) A type of panty girdle with longer legs and a higher waist, normally worn by a woman to lift and shape her buttocks area while flattening the stomach area.

A form of control system whose parameters may be changed dynamically in order to adapt to a changing environment.

(plural only, US, military slang) The brown-framed prescription eyeglasses issued to new recruits in the U.S. military, and perceived as notoriously unattractive.

Possessing self-control; having mastery of one's own desires.