| entropy trapping | <radiobiology> The process of trapping an ordered beam of particles in a magnetic field configuration (for example, cusp geometry) by randomising the ordered motion of the particles, with corresponding increase in the entropy of the system. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| entropy | <radiobiology> The amount of disorder in a system. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| drain-trap stomach | water-trap stomach |
| enhancer trap | <molecular biology, technique> Technique for mapping gene expression patterns, classically in Drosophila. A transposon element carrying a reporter gene (usually _ galactosidase), linked to a very weak promoter, is induced to jump within the genome. If the P element re inserts within the sphere of influence of promoters and enhancers of some (random) gene, then reporter gene is also expressed in a similar tissue specific manner. Usually, many lines of flies carrying such random insertions are studied, if a line shows interesting patterns of expression, it can be possible to clone the gene of interest. (18 Nov 1997) |
| trap | <geology> An old term rather loosely used to designate various dark-coloured, heavy igneous rocks, including especially the feldspathic-augitic rocks, basalt, dolerite, amygdaloid, etc, but including also some kinds of diorite. Called also trap rock. Trap tufa, Trap tuff, a kind of fragmental rock made up of fragments and earthy materials from trap rocks. Origin: Sw. Trapp; akin to trappa stairs, Dan. Trappe, G. Treppe, D. Trap; so called because the rocks of this class often occur in large, tabular masses, rising above one another, like steps. See Tramp. 1. A machine or contrivance that shuts suddenly, as with a spring, used for taking game or other animals; as, a trap for foxes. "She would weep if that she saw a mouse Caught in a trap." (Chaucer) 2. A snare; an ambush; a stratagem; any device by which one may be caught unawares. "Let their table be made a snare and a trap." (Rom. Xi. 9) "God and your majesty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me!" (Shak) 3. A wooden instrument shaped somewhat like a shoe, used in the game of trapball. It consists of a pivoted arm on one end of which is placed the ball to be thrown into the air by striking the other end. Also, a machine for throwing into the air glass balls, clay pigeons, etc, to be shot at. 4. The game of trapball. 5. A bend, sag, or partitioned chamber, in a drain, soil pipe, sewer, etc, arranged so that the liquid contents form a seal which prevents passage of air or gas, but permits the flow of liquids. 6. A place in a water pipe, pump, etc, where air accumulates for want of an outlet. 7. A wagon, or other vehicle. 8. A kind of movable stepladder. Trap stairs, a staircase leading to a trapdoor. <botany> Trap tree the jack; so called because it furnishes a kind of birdlime. See 1st Jack. Origin: OE. Trappe, AS. Treppe; akin to OD.trappe, OHG. Trapo; probably fr. The root of E. Tramp, as that which is trod upon: cf. F. Trappe, which is trod upon: cf. F. Trappe, which perhaps influenced the English word. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |