Design and Technology GCSE
Design and Technology GCSE glossary
194 key terms for Design and Technology GCSE, A to Z, each linked to the topic pages that use it.
A
- Abrading
- The process of wearing away material using friction, typically using progressively finer grades of abrasive paper to achieve a smooth surface.Pearson Edexcel
- Additive Manufacturing
- Processes that build a 3D object by adding material layer by layer (e.g., FDM 3D printing).Pearson Edexcel
- Aesthetic
- Relating to the visual appearance, colour, texture, and overall beauty of a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Aesthetic Finish
- A surface treatment applied primarily to improve the visual appearance, colour, texture, or branding of a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Aesthetic Purpose
- The role a finish plays in enhancing, altering, or improving the visual appearance and tactile feel of the timber.Pearson Edexcel
- Alloy
- A material produced by combining two or more elements together, at least one of which is a metal, to improve its working properties.Pearson Edexcel
- Analogue Signal
- A continuous signal that can take any value within a given range.Pearson Edexcel
- Annotation
- Explanatory notes added to a drawing or diagram to provide extra information about materials, function, or design decisions.Pearson Edexcel
- Anodising
- An electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminium, increasing hardness and allowing for colour dyeing.Pearson Edexcel
B
- Biodegradability
- The ability of a material to be broken down naturally by microorganisms into harmless substances.Pearson Edexcel
- Biodegradable
- Capable of being decomposed rapidly by the action of microorganisms.Pearson Edexcel
- Biomass
- Organic matter used as a fuel, especially in a power station for the generation of electricity.Pearson Edexcel
- Biopol
- A commercially available, biodegradable thermoforming polymer derived from renewable plant sources.Pearson Edexcel
- Bleed-through
- When ink or wet media soaks entirely through a sheet of paper, marking the reverse side or the surface below.Pearson Edexcel
- Brittleness
- The property of a material that fractures when subjected to stress but has a little tendency to deform before rupture.Pearson Edexcel
- Budget Constraints
- The financial limits placed on the design, manufacture, and retail price of a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Built-in Obsolescence
- A manufacturing strategy where a product is deliberately designed to have a limited useful life, forcing the consumer to replace it.Pearson Edexcel
C
- CAD/CAM
- Computer-Aided Design (using software to create patterns) and Computer-Aided Manufacture (using computer-controlled machinery to produce items).Pearson Edexcel
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
- The use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces.Pearson Edexcel
- Capillary Action
- The ability of a liquid (like molten brazing spelter) to flow into narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like…Pearson Edexcel
- Carbon Footprint
- The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions, or by the manufacture and use of a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Carbon Offsetting
- Compensating for carbon dioxide emissions produced during manufacturing or transport by funding equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere (e.g., planting…Pearson Edexcel
- CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
- The automated control of machining tools (such as routers or saws) by means of a computer.Pearson Edexcel
- Composite Material
- A material made by combining two or more constituent materials with different properties to create a new material with enhanced characteristics.Pearson Edexcel
- Compression
- A pushing or squashing force that acts inward, tending to shorten a material.Pearson Edexcel
- Compressive Strength
- The capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size (crushing forces).Pearson Edexcel
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
- The automated control of machining tools (like laser cutters or routers) by means of a computer reading a digital CAD file.Pearson Edexcel
- Conformal Coating
- A thin polymeric film applied to a printed circuit board (PCB) to protect components and tracks from environmental damage.Pearson Edexcel
- Coniferous
- Evergreen trees that bear cones and have needles.Pearson Edexcel
- Corrugated
- A material structure featuring a wavy or fluted layer sandwiched between flat layers to increase rigidity.Pearson Edexcel
- Cross-linked Network
- A 3D network of polymer chains permanently bonded together by strong covalent bonds.Pearson Edexcel
- Cross-linking
- The formation of strong chemical bonds between polymer chains during the curing of thermosetting polymers.Pearson Edexcel
- Cross-Sectional Area
- The 2D shape and area revealed when a 3D stock form is cut completely straight across its length.Pearson Edexcel
D
- Dart
- A folded and stitched wedge of fabric used to shape a flat piece of fabric over the curves of a 3D form.Pearson Edexcel
- Deciduous
- Trees that shed their leaves annually, typically in autumn.Pearson Edexcel
- Denier
- A unit of measurement for the linear mass density of continuous filament synthetic fibres; a lower number indicates a finer yarn.Pearson Edexcel
- Design Context
- The situation, environment, or specific set of circumstances in which a product will be used.Pearson Edexcel
- Design for Disassembly
- Designing a product so that it can be easily taken apart at the end of its life, allowing components and materials to be reused or recycled.Pearson Edexcel
- Die
- A specialized tool used in manufacturing to cut or shape material mostly using a press.Pearson Edexcel
- Die Casting
- A metal casting process characterised by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a reusable mould cavity (die).Pearson Edexcel
- Die Cutting (Stamp Cutting)
- Using a shaped metal blade (die) pressed with high force to cut through multiple layers of material simultaneously.Pearson Edexcel
- Digital Signal
- A signal that has only two discrete states, typically represented as HIGH (1) and LOW (0).Pearson Edexcel
- Draft Angle
- A slight taper or slope given to the vertical sides of a mould to allow the formed polymer part to be easily removed without getting stuck.Pearson Edexcel
- Ductility
- The physical property of a material associated with its ability to be drawn out or stretched into a wire without breaking.Pearson Edexcel
- Durability
- The ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage, including resistance to weathering and rot.Pearson Edexcel
E
- E12 Series
- A standard series of preferred values for electronic components (like resistors and capacitors) that provides 12 values per decade of magnitude.Pearson Edexcel
- Ecological Footprint
- The impact a product or material has on the environment throughout its entire life cycle, from extraction to disposal.Pearson Edexcel
- Economies of Scale
- The cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to their scale of operation, with cost per unit of output decreasing with increasing scale.Pearson Edexcel
- Electrical Insulator
- A material that resists the flow of electrical current.Pearson Edexcel
- Electroplating
- Using direct current to coat an electrically conductive object with a thin layer of metal.Pearson Edexcel
- Emerging Technologies
- New technologies that are currently developing or will be developed over the next five to ten years, which will substantially alter the business and social…Pearson Edexcel
- Ergonomics
- The study of how humans interact with products, ensuring designs are comfortable, efficient, and safe to use.Pearson Edexcel
- Extrusion
- A continuous manufacturing process where molten polymer is forced through a shaped nozzle (spinneret) to create continuous filaments.Pearson Edexcel
F
- Fair Trade
- A movement that aims to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions and promote sustainability, ensuring fair pay and safe…Pearson Edexcel
- Fairtrade
- A certification system that ensures producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their goods and work in safe conditions.Pearson Edexcel
- Ferric Chloride
- A corrosive chemical compound used as an etchant.Pearson Edexcel
- Ferrous Metal
- A metal that contains iron as its primary constituent, generally magnetic and prone to rusting.Pearson Edexcel
- Fibre
- A fine, hair-like structure that is the fundamental building block of all textiles.Pearson Edexcel
- Fitness for Purpose
- The degree to which a product successfully fulfills its intended role for the target user in its intended environment.Pearson Edexcel
- Fluted Medium
- The wavy, corrugated central layer in corrugated board.Pearson Edexcel
- Forging
- A manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localised compressive forces, which improves the internal grain structure.Pearson Edexcel
- Form
- The three-dimensional shape, structure, and overall visual appearance of a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Former
- A shaped mould over which materials are formed or pressed into a new shape.Pearson Edexcel
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
- An international certification system ensuring timber is harvested from responsibly managed and sustainable forests.Pearson Edexcel
- FSC Certification
- Forest Stewardship Council certification, ensuring timber is harvested from responsibly managed, sustainable forests.Pearson Edexcel
- Function
- The specific purpose for which a product is designed and how it operates to fulfill that purpose.Pearson Edexcel
- Functional Finish
- A surface treatment applied primarily to improve the performance, durability, safety, or reliability of a component.Pearson Edexcel
- Functional Purpose
- The role a finish plays in protecting the timber from environmental factors such as moisture, heat, UV light, and physical wear.Pearson Edexcel
- Fusion Welding
- Joining metals by heating them to their melting point so they fuse together, usually with a filler metal.Pearson Edexcel
G
- Gauge
- A standard measurement system used to denote the thickness of sheet metal and the diameter of wire.Pearson Edexcel
- Grainline
- The direction of the warp threads in a woven fabric, running parallel to the selvedge.Pearson Edexcel
- Granules
- Small pellets of raw polymer used as the starting material for industrial moulding processes.Pearson Edexcel
- gsm
- Grams per square metre.Pearson Edexcel
- gsm (grams per square metre)
- The standard unit of measurement used to specify the weight and thickness of paper and board.Pearson Edexcel
H
I
- I-Beam
- A structural beam with an 'I' or 'H' cross-section, designed to resist bending with a high strength-to-weight ratio.Pearson Edexcel
- Idler Gear
- A gear placed between a driver and driven gear to ensure they rotate in the same direction, without altering the gear ratio.Pearson Edexcel
- Inclusive Design
- The design of mainstream products and services that are accessible to, and usable by, as many people as reasonably possible, without the need for special…Pearson Edexcel
- Innovation
- The introduction of new ideas, methods, or original solutions that significantly improve a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Interfacing
- A layer of fabric applied to the wrong side of the main fabric to add stiffness, structure, or support.Pearson Edexcel
- Isometric Drawing
- A 3D drawing technique where vertical lines remain vertical, and horizontal lines are drawn at 30 degrees to the horizontal.Pearson Edexcel
- Isotropic
- A material that has the same physical properties in all directions (e.g., MDF).Pearson Edexcel
- Iteration
- The process of repeating a design cycle (designing, testing, evaluating, refining) to gradually improve a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Iterative Design
- A design methodology based on a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysing, and refining a product.Pearson Edexcel
- Iterative Refinement
- The process of continually testing, evaluating, and improving a design or prototype through successive cycles of development.Pearson Edexcel
J
- Jig
- A custom-made tool used to control the location and motion of another tool, or to hold a workpiece securely in place.Pearson Edexcel
- Justification
- Providing a valid, reasoned argument for a design choice, often linking back to the design brief or user needs.Pearson Edexcel
K
- Kerf
- The width of the cut made by a saw blade, which removes material and must be accounted for when marking out.Pearson Edexcel
- Knock-Down (KD) Fitting
- Mechanical hardware used to assemble furniture without glue, allowing it to be easily taken apart.Pearson Edexcel
L
- Laminate
- A composite material made by bonding two or more layers of fabric or polymer together to combine their properties.Pearson Edexcel
- Laminating
- Bonding together two or more layers of material (often veneers) to create a thicker, stronger, and often curved component.Pearson Edexcel
- Lamination
- The process of bonding multiple thin layers of material together to create a thicker, stronger, and often curved composite.Pearson Edexcel
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
- A systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product through all stages of its life, from raw material extraction to disposal.Pearson Edexcel
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- A systematic method for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service.Pearson Edexcel
- Linear Polymer Chains
- Long chains of molecules held together by weak forces, allowing them to slide past each other when heated.Pearson Edexcel
M
- Malleability
- The physical property of a material indicating its ability to be deformed or shaped under compressive stress (e.g., hammered or rolled) without cracking.Pearson Edexcel
- Manufactured Board
- Engineered wood products made by bonding wood particles, fibres, or veneers together with synthetic resins.Pearson Edexcel
- Marketability
- The extent to which a product appeals to consumers and can be sold profitably.Pearson Edexcel
- Matrix & Reinforcement
- The two components of a composite.Pearson Edexcel
- Measurable Data
- Quantitative information gathered during testing (e.g., dimensions, weight, time, survey scores).Pearson Edexcel
- Mechanical Advantage (MA)
- The ratio of the load force to the effort force.Pearson Edexcel
- Microcontroller
- A small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals.Pearson Edexcel
- Microplastics
- Extremely small pieces of plastic debris resulting from the disposal and breakdown of synthetic textiles.Pearson Edexcel
- Modern Material
- A material developed through the invention of new or improved processes, possessing properties not found in traditional materials.Pearson Edexcel
N
- Net
- A flat 2D shape that, when scored and folded, creates a 3D form.Pearson Edexcel
- Non-Ferrous Metal
- A metal that does not contain iron and does not rust, though it may tarnish or oxidise (e.g., aluminium, copper).Pearson Edexcel
- Non-Renewable Energy
- Energy from sources that will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels.Pearson Edexcel
- Notching
- Cutting small V-shaped or rectangular slots into material to allow it to bend or interlock.Pearson Edexcel
O
- Ohm's Law
- A formula stating that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points ($V = I \times…Pearson Edexcel
- Opaque
- A finish that does not allow light to pass through, completely hiding the material underneath.Pearson Edexcel
- Orthographic Projection
- A method of representing a 3D object in two dimensions, typically showing a front, plan (top), and side view.Pearson Edexcel
- Overcasting
- A stitching technique used to finish raw edges of fabric to prevent them from fraying.Pearson Edexcel
- Oxidation
- A chemical reaction where a material (usually a metal) reacts with oxygen, often leading to corrosion and poor electrical conductivity.Pearson Edexcel
P
- PAR (Planed All Round)
- Timber that has been put through a planer/thicknesser to smooth all four longitudinal faces.Pearson Edexcel
- Parison
- A hollow tube of extruded molten thermoplastic.Pearson Edexcel
- Penetrating Finish
- A type of finish (like oil or stain) that soaks into the wood fibres rather than forming a layer on top.Pearson Edexcel
- Performance Characteristics
- The specific physical, mechanical, or aesthetic properties of a material that dictate how it behaves under certain conditions.Pearson Edexcel
- Photoresist
- A light-sensitive polymer chemical applied to a copper board that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.Pearson Edexcel
- Photovoltaic Cell
- A device that generates an electrical current when exposed to light.Pearson Edexcel
- Pick-and-Place Machine
- A robotic machine used to rapidly and accurately place SMT components onto a PCB.Pearson Edexcel
- Polymerisation
- The chemical reaction that joins many small monomer molecules together to form a long polymer chain.Pearson Edexcel
- Primary Cell
- A battery cell that cannot be recharged once depleted.Pearson Edexcel
- Product Specification
- A detailed list of criteria that a product must meet to be considered successful and fit for purpose.Pearson Edexcel
- PSE (Planed Square Edge)
- Timber that has had its edges planed to exactly 90 degrees.Pearson Edexcel
Q
- Qualitative Data
- Descriptive data based on observations, opinions, or user feedback.Pearson Edexcel
- Quality Control (QC)
- A system of maintaining standards in manufactured products by testing a sample of the output against the specification.Pearson Edexcel
- Quantitative Data
- Numerical data that can be measured objectively, such as dimensions, weight, or cost.Pearson Edexcel
- Quantitative Testing
- Testing that yields measurable, numerical data (e.g., dimensions, weight capacity, temperature resistance).Pearson Edexcel
R
- Realistic Conditions
- Testing environments and scenarios that accurately simulate how the product will be used by the target market in real life.Pearson Edexcel
- Reciprocating Motion
- Repetitive back-and-forth movement in a straight line.Pearson Edexcel
- Regenerated Cellulosic
- Fibres made from natural cellulose (like wood pulp) that have been chemically processed into a usable fibre (e.g., viscose).Pearson Edexcel
- Regenerated Fibre
- A fibre manufactured from a natural polymer (like wood pulp cellulose) that is chemically dissolved and extruded.Pearson Edexcel
- Renewable Energy
- Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.Pearson Edexcel
- RoHS Directive
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive; legislation that bans the use of specific toxic materials (like lead and mercury) in the manufacture of…Pearson Edexcel
- Rotary Motion
- Movement in a circle around a fixed central axis.Pearson Edexcel
S
- Sacrificial Anode
- A highly active metal (like zinc) applied to a less active metal (like steel) to prevent corrosion; the active metal corrodes preferentially.Pearson Edexcel
- Sacrificial Protection
- A corrosion protection method where a more reactive metal (like zinc) corrodes preferentially to protect the base metal.Pearson Edexcel
- Scale of Production
- The volume at which a product is manufactured, ranging from bespoke (one-off) to batch, to mass/continuous production.Pearson Edexcel
- Scoring
- The process of compressing the fibres of paper or board along a line to facilitate a clean, sharp fold.Pearson Edexcel
- Scoring / Creasing
- Compressing a line into a board material to allow it to fold easily and cleanly without the fibres cracking.Pearson Edexcel
- Seam Allowance
- The distance between the edge of the fabric and the stitched line of a seam, usually 15mm in standard dressmaking.Pearson Edexcel
- Secondary Cell
- A battery cell that can be recharged by passing a current through it in the opposite direction.Pearson Edexcel
- Selvedge
- The tightly woven edge of a fabric that runs parallel to the warp threads and prevents the fabric from unravelling.Pearson Edexcel
- Shear
- Two parallel forces acting in opposite directions across a material, causing layers to slide.Pearson Edexcel
- Sintering
- The process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat or pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction.Pearson Edexcel
- Smart Material
- A material that changes its physical properties in response to an external stimulus (e.g., heat, light, pressure).Pearson Edexcel
- Softwood
- Timber sourced from coniferous trees (evergreen trees with needles).Pearson Edexcel
- Solid-state
- Electronic components that rely on semiconductor materials rather than moving mechanical parts to control current flow.Pearson Edexcel
- Solvent Cement
- An adhesive (such as Tensol) that chemically dissolves the surface of specific polymers (like acrylic), fusing them together as the solvent evaporates.Pearson Edexcel
- Spot UV
- The application of an ultraviolet-cured gloss varnish to specific, localized areas of a printed design rather than the entire surface.Pearson Edexcel
- Standard Sheet
- The universal size for manufactured boards, measuring 2440mm × 1220mm.Pearson Edexcel
- Standardized Components
- Pre-manufactured parts (like nuts, bolts, or resistors) that are made to a common standard.Pearson Edexcel
- Stimulus
- A change in the environment (such as temperature, light, or electrical current) that causes a smart material to react.Pearson Edexcel
- Stock Form
- The standard physical size, shape, and format in which materials are commercially supplied to manufacturers.Pearson Edexcel
- Sub-assembly
- The manufacture of smaller parts of a product independently, before they are brought together for final assembly.Pearson Edexcel
- Subtractive Manufacturing
- Processes that create a desired shape by removing material from a larger block or sheet (e.g., drilling, laser cutting).Pearson Edexcel
- Subtractive Manufacturing (Wasting)
- Processes that create a desired shape by removing material from a larger block or sheet.Pearson Edexcel
- Surface Finish
- A type of finish (like varnish or paint) that cures to form a hard, protective film on the exterior of the wood.Pearson Edexcel
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
- A method of manufacturing electronic circuits where components are soldered directly onto the surface of the printed circuit board (PCB), rather than through…Pearson Edexcel
- Surface Treatment
- A process applied to the outer layer of a material to alter its properties, performance, or appearance.Pearson Edexcel
- Sustainability
- Designing products in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Pearson Edexcel
- System
- An arrangement of components that work together to perform a specific function, typically comprising input, process, and output stages.Pearson Edexcel
T
- Tape and Reel
- A packaging method where electronic components are sealed in pockets on a continuous tape, wound around a reel.Pearson Edexcel
- Target User
- The specific group of people for whom a product or technology is designed, taking into account their age, abilities, needs, and limitations.Pearson Edexcel
- Tear-out
- The splintering or tearing of wood fibres, usually occurring as a cutting tool exits the material or when planing against the grain.Pearson Edexcel
- Technical Textile
- Textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.Pearson Edexcel
- Tempering
- A heat treatment process involving reheating hardened steel to a moderate temperature to reduce brittleness and increase toughness.Pearson Edexcel
- Template
- A rigid shape or pattern used as a guide for drawing or cutting out identical parts.Pearson Edexcel
- Template / Jig
- A device used to guide a tool or hold work in a consistent position to ensure repeatability and accuracy.Pearson Edexcel
- Tensile Strength
- The resistance of a material to breaking under tension or pulling forces.Pearson Edexcel
- Tension
- A pulling or stretching force that acts outward, tending to elongate a material.Pearson Edexcel
- Thermoforming Polymer
- A polymer with no permanent cross-links between chains, allowing it to be repeatedly softened by heat and reshaped.Pearson Edexcel
- Thermoplastic
- A polymer that softens when heated and hardens when cooled.Pearson Edexcel
- Thermosetting Polymer
- A polymer that undergoes a chemical change during manufacture, creating permanent cross-links that prevent it from being softened or reshaped by heat.Pearson Edexcel
- Through-Hole Technology
- A mounting scheme used for electronic components that involves the use of leads on the components that are inserted into holes drilled in PCBs and soldered to…Pearson Edexcel
- Through-Hole Technology (THT)
- A PCB manufacturing method where component leads are inserted through holes in the board and soldered on the reverse side.Pearson Edexcel
- Toile
- A test version of a garment made in a cheaper fabric (like calico) to check the fit and design before cutting the final, expensive fabric.Pearson Edexcel
- Tolerance
- The permissible limit of variation in a physical dimension or measured value.Pearson Edexcel
- Torque
- A twisting or turning force that causes rotation.Pearson Edexcel
- Toughness
- The ability of a material to absorb sudden impact energy without fracturing or shattering.Pearson Edexcel
- Translucent
- Allowing light to pass through, but not detailed shapes; semi-transparent.Pearson Edexcel
U
- Unit Cost
- The total cost of manufacturing one individual product, including materials, labour, and a fraction of the machinery setup cost.Pearson Edexcel
V
- Vacuum Forming
- A manufacturing process where a heated, pliable sheet of thermoplastic is drawn tightly over a mould using a vacuum.Pearson Edexcel
- Velocity Ratio (VR)
- The ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load.Pearson Edexcel
- Veneer
- A very thin slice of high-quality natural timber glued to the surface of a cheaper manufactured board.Pearson Edexcel
W
- Warp
- The longitudinal (lengthways) threads attached to a loom before weaving begins.Pearson Edexcel
- Wastage
- The excess, unusable material that is left over after pattern pieces have been cut from a stock form.Pearson Edexcel
- Waste Allowance
- A percentage of extra material added to a calculated requirement to account for material lost during cutting (kerf) and manufacturing errors.Pearson Edexcel
- WEEE Directive
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive; legislation mandating the responsible collection, recycling, and recovery of electronic goods at the end…Pearson Edexcel
- Weft
- The threads that are woven horizontally (left to right) over and under the warp threads.Pearson Edexcel
- Work Hardening
- The strengthening of a metal by plastic deformation.Pearson Edexcel
- Working Properties
- How a material behaves when it is manipulated, used, or subjected to external forces.Pearson Edexcel
Y
- Yarn
- A continuous length of interlocked fibres, created by spinning, used in the production of textiles.Pearson Edexcel
Where these terms come from
Each definition is one we publish on a Design and Technology GCSE topic page or study guide. Open a term to see how each exam board words it and which topic it belongs to. For the full course, go to Design and Technology revision or the glossary for every subject.
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