| average megawatt | <physics> One megawatt of capacity produced continuously over a period of one year. 1 MWa = 1 MW x 8760 hours/year = 8,760 Mwh = 8,760,000 kWh. Acronym: MWa (05 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| average pulse magnitude | <physics> The amplitude of pulse averaged throughout its duration; identical with peak amplitude for a square wave or pulse without droop. (05 Mar 2000) |
| avermectin B2 O-methyltransferase | <enzyme> Converts avermectin b component to avermectin a components during avermectin biosynthesis Registry number: EC 2.1.1.- (26 Jun 1999) |
| averruncator | <botany> An instrument for pruning trees, consisting of two blades, or a blade and a hook, fixed on the end of a long rod. Origin: Cf. Aberuncator. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| aversion therapy | <psychology> A form of behaviour therapy that pairs an unpleasant stimulus with undesirable behaviour(s) so that the patient learns to avoid the latter. See: aversive training. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aversive behaviour | <psychology> The movement of an organism away from a certain type of stimulus, such as electric shock. Compare: appetitive behaviour. Synonym: ambient behaviour. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aversive conditioning | <psychology> A form of behaviour training or modification in which a noxious event is used to punish or extinguish undesirable behaviour. See: aversion therapy. Synonym: aversive conditioning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aversive control | <psychology> Control of the behaviour of another individual by use of psychologically noxious means; e.g., attempting to force better study habits by withholding a child's allowance, or withholding sexual contact unless the partner complies with a request. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aversive stimulus | <psychology> A noxious stimulus such as an electric shock used in aversive training or conditioning. See: aversive training. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aversive therapy | <psychology> A treatment that suppresses undesirable behaviour by simultaneously exposing the subject to unpleasant consequences. (12 Dec 1998) |
| aversive training | <psychology> A form of behaviour training or modification in which a noxious event is used to punish or extinguish undesirable behaviour. See: aversion therapy. Synonym: aversive conditioning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aves | <ornithology, zoology> The class of Vertebrata that includes the birds. Aves, or birds, have a complete double circulation, oviparous, reproduction, front limbs peculiarly modified as wings; and they bear feathers. All existing birds have a horny beak, without teeth; but some Mesozoic fossil birds (Odontornithes) had conical teeth inserted in both jaws. The principal groups are: Carinatae, including all existing flying birds; Ratitae, including the ostrich and allies, the apteryx, and the extinct moas; Odontornithes, or fossil birds with teeth. The ordinary birds are classified largely by the structure of the beak and feet, which are in direct relating to their habits. See Beak, Bird, Odontonithes. Origin: L, pl. Of avis bird. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |