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Term Definition
Machine Direction. The direction parallel to the paper-bound edge of a sheet of gypsumboard.  
Machine Room. Area where commercial and industrial refrigeration machinery, except the evaporators, is located.  
Macrozones. Large zones of earthquake activity such as zones designated by the Uniform Building Code Map.  
Madder. Coloring matter originally derived from the pulverized root of a plant cultivated in Europe and Asia Minor; now largely made synthetically.  
Magnesium Silicate. White extender pigment which adds fluffiness to products in which it is used; provides very little opacity.  
Magnet. A body having the capability of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself.  
Magnetic Catch. A cabinet catch that uses a magnet to hold the door closed.  
Magnetic Clutch. Device operated by magnetism to connect or disconnect a power drive.  
Magnetic Compass. An instrument showing the direction of magnetic north and compass bearings.  
Magnetic Core. Magnetic center of a magnetic field.  
Magnetic Door Holder. A door holder using a magnet to hold it in an open position.  
Magnetic Field. A region of variable force around magnets, magnetic materials, or current-carrying conductors.  
Magnetic Gasket. Door-sealing material which keeps door tightly closed with small magnets inserted in gasket.  
Magnetic Hammer. A special design hammer magnetically sensitized to hold a metal fastener during application.  
Magnetic Pole. 1. Either of the two nonstationary areas in the north and south polar regions of the earth to which a magnetic compass needle will point 2. Either of the poles of a magnet.  
Magnetic Starter. Automatic protective equipment using an electromagnet to operate; insures that a motor does not receive too high a current when starting up.  
Magnetic. Having the properties of a magnet.  
Magnetism. A field of force which causes a magnet to attract materials made of iron, nickel-cobalt or other ferrous material.  
Magnetite. An aggregate used in heavyweight concrete, consisting primarily of ferrous metaferrite (Fe3O4); a black magnetic iron ore with a specific gravity of approximately 5.2 and a Mohs hardness of about 6.  
Magnetron. A diode vacuum tube in which the flow of electrons is controlled by an externally applied magnetic field to generate power at microwave frequencies; the active element of a microwave oven.  
Magnification Factor. An increase in lateral forces at a specific site for a specific factor or set of conditions.  
Magnitude. A measure of earthquake size which describes the amount of energy released.  
Mahogany Veneer. A thin layer of straight-grained medium density wood for an outer finish or decoration.  
MAI. Member of the Appraisal Institute; a professional designation of a qualified real estate appraiser.  
Mail Chute. An inclined or vertical channel through which mail travels from the exterior of a box or building to a container inside that box or building.  
Main Breaker. 1. A switch in a main electrical service panel where the service wires attach. 2. The main electrical service protective device where the power enters a building.  
Main Drain. see Main Outlet.  
Main Outlet. Outlet fitting(s) at the bottom of a swimming pool, spa or hot tub through which passes water to the recirculating pump; also called Main Drain or Sump Pot.  
Main Runners. The heaviest integral supporting members in a suspended ceiling; main runners are supported by hangers attached to the building structure and in turn support furring channels or rods to which lath is fastened.  
Main Switch. see Service Disconnect.  

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