ONLINE GLOSSARY

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• Lateral Axis. An axis running from one side of an object to another, defined by a line that extends through its geometric center.
  
  
• Lathing. The process of creating a three-dimensional object that is symmetrical about an axis using a two-dimensional profile or shape. The profile is revolved around the axis of symmetry to create the three-dimensional shape. This process can be used to turn shapes from wood and other materials on a special tool called a lathe. A similar process can also be used in computer modeling to build three-dimensional shapes quickly and easily.
  
  
• Layer. A plane in a computer drawing that can contain lines and other drawing objects. Also known as an "overlay." Layers are used to organize drawings and reduce clutter. In the past, when drawings were made by hand, sheets of vellum or clear acetate were assembled to create multiple layers in a complex drawing. Today, computer programs make it possible to quickly and easily use an almost infinite assortment of different layers in order to organize a drawing.
  
  
• Leader Lines. Thin lines that connect a note(s) about an object on a drawing to the area or feature in question; Such lines should begin next to either the first or last word in the note rather than in the middle. A leader line pointing to a feature ends in an arrowhead while a leader line pointing to a surface or area ends in a round dot. See also Dimension Lines, Dimension Numbers, Dimensioned, Dimensioning.
  
  
• Line of Sight. An imaginary line between the eye of an observer and an object or feature. The line of sight defines a specific viewing angle or point of view on the part of the observer.
  
  
• Lofting. The process of creating a three-dimensional shape by combining or "blending" multiple cross sections along a given path. This process is very similar to extruding, but a lofted shape can have different cross sections at points along its length whereas an extruded shape has a constant cross section.
  
  
• Longitudinal Axis. An axis running down the length of an object, defined by a line that extends through its geometric center.
  
  
• Lune. A portion of the development of a sphere. A lune is also known as a gore. Since a sphere has compound curves, it cannot be precisely developed. The process of creating gores or lunes, however, permits the surface of a sphere to be approximated as a series of flat patterns. This process is commonly used to create globes from printed paper parts.

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0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click on a letter to browse through the Glossary terms.
To download a printable version of the entire Glossary, click here.

All written content on this page © 2007 Charles Adams. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.