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O 1. Symbol for OXYGEN. 2. Abbreviation of OUT-
PUT.
o 1. Symbol for OUTPUT. (Also, OUT; both are used
as subscripts.) 2. Symbol for ORIGIN.
O 2 Symbol for OXYGEN.
O 3 Symbol for OZONE.
OAT Abbreviation of OPERATING AMBIENT TEM-
PERATURE.
object code 1. In a computer system, the machinelanguage
output of the compiler, directed
to the computer. 2. In a computer, the high-level
output of the compiler, directed to the operator.
3. The assembly language, directed to the compiler
for translation between machine language
and high-level language and vice versa.
object language The computer language that a
compiler derives from a high-level (source) language
(such as C++, LISP, etc.); it is usually machine
language, but it can be an intermediate
code that requires further conversion.
object-oriented graphics Also called vector graphics.
In computer graphics, the use of equations to
represent curves in a coordinate plane to define
shapes, rather than defining the shapes pixel-bypixel.
object-oriented language A computer program
that uses on-screen objects, called icons, to represent
commands. A movable device, such as a
mouse or trackball, is used to move an arrow or
other pointer to the icon; then a button is pressed
to carry out the function indicated by the icon.
object-oriented programming Abbreviation, OOP.
A computer programming language that builds
sophisticated programs from basic programs
called modules.
object program A machine or high-level language
version of a user’s computer program, as produced
by a compiler.
object recognition In robotic systems, any
method used to identify specific objects, according
to characteristics, such as shape, texture,
weight, etc. Common schemes use bar-code labels
and machine vision. More-complex methods
make use of pattern-recognition programs.
oblique-incidence transmission Transmission of
radio signals via ionospheric reflection.
oblique mode In acoustics, a resonance within a
room that involves all four walls, the floor, and
the ceiling.
oboe A system of radar navigation in which a pair
of ground stations measures the distance to an
airborne transponder beacon and then transmits
the information to the aircraft.
obsolescence-free Pertaining to a design or process
that is not likely to become obsolete in the
near future. Compare OBSOLESCENCE-PRONE.
obsolescence-prone Pertaining to a design or process
subject to being soon outdated. Compare
OBSOLESCENCE-FREE.
OBWO Abbreviation of O-TYPE BACKWARD-WAVE
OSCILLATOR.
o/c Abbreviation of OPEN CIRCUIT.
occluded gas Gas that has been absorbed or adsorbed
by solid material, such as glass or metals,
and that must be eliminated during the evacuation
of an electronic device, such as a vacuum
tube. Also see OUTGASSING.
occultation 1. The passage of the moon or other
planetary body in front of a more distant celestial
object, resulting in the cutting off of electromag-
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