ONLINE GLOSSARY

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

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To download a printable version of the entire Glossary, click here.

• Mesh. The three-dimensional surface of an object inside a 3D computer modeling program. Mesh surfaces are composed of polygons that are stitched together. In most cases, each polygon is a triangle, though they may sometimes be 4-sided quadrilaterals. A program that creates mesh objects can be thought of as making "digital clay" that a 3D modeler can "sculpt" using a number of different computer-based tools. In sharp contrast, a spline-based modeling program creates precise surfaces from curves based on mathematical formulas. Unlike mesh modeling, spline modeling is a natural extension of the 2D drafting process. See also Multigon, Bézier Curve.
  
  
• Metric. A decimal-based system of measurement using meters, kilograms, and liters that is standard in Europe and the International community. Also known as "Système International d'Unités"or "SI" for short. The labels for each unit of measurement in the Metric system are based on a decimal percentage of the fundamental unit. As an example, a "centimeter" is 1/100 of a meter, while a "millimeter" is 1/1000 of a meter. In stark contrast, a more traditional system of "US Customary Units" based on the inch, pound, and gallon remain the standard in the United States of America. These English units are based on the "Imperial" units developed by Great Britain.
  
  
• Miter Line. A line positioned 45-degrees from the horizontal that is used to transfer points between non-adjacent views. The miter line is one of the key concepts that makes orthographic projection work. Acting as an angled "mirror," the miter line is used to "reflect" construction lines drawn from one view into another.
  
  
• Modifier Key. A key on a computer keyboard that, when depressed, modifies the behavior of a command executed in a computer drawing program. The key must first be depressed, then the command is chosen from a menu (or a button is clicked). When the desired action is complete, the modifier key is released.
  
  
• Monochrome. An image format for storing digital photographs, images, or scans that displays the image using only black and/ or white pixels, but not shades of gray or color. One of two possible formats for storing non-color images in digital form. The other option is called Grayscale. Monochrome format uses the least possible amount of computer memory when storing an image. See also Bitmap Image, CMYK, Image File, RGB. See also Bitmap Image, CMYK, Image File, RGB.
  
  
• Multigon. A two-dimensional geometric figure with three or more sides. In this book, the term "multigon" is used in place of the word "polygon" because a polygon is a special type of object used in 3D modeling that exists in three dimensions. See also Mesh, Polygon, Spline.
  
  
• Multi-view drawing. The process of preparing multiple orthographic plan views of a subject using orthographic projection. In fact, multi-view drawing is often synonymous with the term "orthographic projection." An imaginary "glass box" is said to surround the subject and views of the object are projected onto each side of the box. It is then "unfolded" so that all views are in the same plane. See also 3-View Drawings, First-Angle Projection, Third-Angle Projection.

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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.

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