18WuD2x

432 main path • manual
system (e.g., major feedback loop). Compare MI-
NOR LOOP.
make 1. The closing of a pair or set of contacts.
2. To close a pair or set of contacts.
make-before-break contacts A pair of contacts in
which the movable arm closes with the next contact
before breaking with the previous one. Compare
BREAK-BEFORE-MAKE CONTACTS.
make time The time required for a relay to latch
completely, or for a switch (either mechanical or
electronic) to close completely. Compare BREAK
TIME.
male plug A plug having one or more protruding
contacts in the form of pins, blades, or prongs.
Compare FEMALE PLUG and HERMAPHRO-
DITIC PLUG.
male plug
main path In a computer program, the sequence of
instruction execution disregarding the execution
of subroutines.
main program The part of a computer program
other than a subroutine.
main routine See MAIN PROGRAM.
mains 1. In a power-distribution center, the lines
that supply the entire system. An example is the
set of lines leading into a house. 2. The utility wires
and associated outlets in a house or building.
maintenance The process of keeping a system, circuit,
or component in operating condition, with
minimal down time.
maintenance routine A computer program used
by computer service personnel for diagnosis during
a regular service interval.
major beats The principal beats produced in a
beat-note system; they are usually the sum
and/or difference of two fundamental frequencies.
Compare MINOR BEATS.
major face In a hexagonal quartz crystal, one of
the three larger faces. Compare MINOR FACE.
majority carrier The predominant charge carrier
in processed semiconductor material. Electrons
are the majority carriers in n-type material; holes
are the majority carriers in p-type material. Compare
MINORITY CARRIER.
majority logic A logic gate in which the output is
high whenever the majority of its inputs is high,
regardless of which inputs are high. Thus, in a
five-input gate of this type, the output is high
when any three or more of the inputs are high.
major lobe See MAIN LOBE.
major loop The principal path for the circulation of
information or control signals in an electronic
Malter effect The tendency for a layer of semiconductor
having a high secondary emission ratio to
become positively charged when bombarded by
electrons. This occurs when a thin insulator separates
the semiconductor from a metal plate. The
insulator must be very thin (on the order of 10 –7
meters). This results in a potential difference of
up to about 100 volts.
manganese Symbol, Mn. A metallic element.
Atomic number, 25. Atomic weight, 54.938.
manganese-dioxide depolarizer In a dry cell,
manganese dioxide mixed with powdered carbon,
the mixture being a depolarizing agent. Also see
DEPOLARIZER.
manganin A low-temperature-coefficient alloy
used in making wire for precision resistors. A typical
composition is: copper (84 percent), manganese
(12 percent), and nickel (4 percent).
manipulator A robot arm and end effector, as used
in mechanical processes.
man-made interference See HUMAN-MADE IN-
TERFERENCE.
man-made static See HUMAN-MADE INTERFER-
ENCE.
manometer An instrument for measuring gas or
vapor pressure—especially at low levels.
manpack A portable radio transceiver that can be
used while walking.
mantissa 1. The portion of a logarithm to the right
of the decimal point. Thus, in 3.952502 (log 10
8964), the mantissa is 0.952502. 2. The fixed
point part of a number in scientific notation;
thus, in 4 × 10 3 , the mantissa is 4.
manual 1. Actuated or operated directly by mechanical
means, rather than automatically. 2. A