| line pairs | A unit of resolution of radiographic screens and films or photographic films. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| line precedence | <zoology> When two different names for the same taxon are first published in the same publication, then the one which appears on the earlier line has line precedence. Line precedence does not necessarily mean priority as well - this is determined by the action of the first reviser. (09 Jan 1998) |
| line spread function | A measure of the ability of a system to form sharp images; in radiology, determined by measuring the spatial density distribution on film of the X-ray image of a narrow slit in a dense metal, such as uranium; from this can be calculated the modulation transfer function. (05 Mar 2000) |
| line test | A test for rickets, based on observation of the lines of calcification in the growing ends of rachitic long bones in rats given vitamin D preparations under standard test conditions; used in biological assay of vitamin D by the USP. (05 Mar 2000) |
| line-tying | <radiobiology> Connection of field lines from the end of an open-ended device (such as a mirror system) to a conducting plate. The rigidity of field lines trapped in the plate can be transferred to the high-field region of the mirror by using a cold, moderately-dense plasma in between. Line-tying helps to stabilise against interchange instabilities. (09 Oct 1997) |
| low lip line | The lowest position of the lower lip during the act of smiling or voluntary retraction, the lowest position of the upper lip at rest. (05 Mar 2000) |