Dictionary of scientific terms in English. Technical English for IT: dictionaries, textbooks, magazines

According to research from UK recruitment agency CBSbutler, you could earn £54,000 in 2017. To do this, you had to work as an engineer in the oil and gas industry. It takes a lot of effort to see numbers like these in your bank account. One of them is to learn English and become a sought-after specialist in a foreign or Russian company.

Even if you have nothing to do with engineering, we recommend that you read the article. For example, the English names of screws and dowels will be useful to you if you assemble furniture according to instructions in English or buy exclusive materials on English-language sites.

Brief dictionary of technical terms

We tried to collect the terms that are most often found in the work of an engineer. Of course, we only covered the basic vocabulary. If you want to master English in a more narrow engineering field, you can do this on ours. Whether you are a design engineer or an electrical engineer, we will select the materials that will be useful specifically in your industry.

If you know basic terminology, scroll to the end of the article: we have collected 33 useful resources for you that will be useful for developing your listening and reading skills. Plus, our list of video blogs, podcasts, series, and courses will help make learning fun.

General terminology

First, let's look at the names of engineering industries and the names of some positions.

Word/Phrase	Translation
engineering	engineering
mechanical engineering	engineering mechanics, mechanical engineering, mechanical systems design
electrical engineering	electromechanics, technical design of electrical circuits
civil engineering	design and construction of civil facilities
structural engineering	industrial design / construction design
biomedical engineering	biomedical engineering
chemical engineering	chemical engineering
software engineering	software engineering
systems engineering	systems engineering
an engineer	engineer, designer
an engineering technician	technical engineer

Design

Let's move on to the basic set of words that are necessary for drawing up drawings and diagrams.

Word/Phrase	Translation
design information	project information
a design solution	design and technical solution
an item	part, product, unit
size	size
scale	scale
CAD /kæd/ (computer-aided design)	system computer-aided design
specifications	specifications
technical requirements	technical specifications, requirements
to overdesign	overdesign
Blueprints
a drawing (abbreviated as dwg)	drawing, diagram
a blueprint	blue (copy of drawing)
a detail drawing	detailed drawing
a general arrangement drawing	general layout drawing, general diagram
a preliminary drawing	sketch, preliminary drawing
a working drawing	rough diagram, working drawing
schematics	schematic drawing, plan
a drawing board	tablet, drawing board
to draw up a drawing	draw up a drawing

Measurements

The following lexical set will help you take measurements by correctly indicating the radius of the circle and the error in English.

Word/Phrase	Translation
a measurement	measurement, calculation, system of measures
calculations	calculations, calculations
dimensions (abbreviated dims)	dimensions
linear dimensions	linear dimensions
a direction	direction
a tape measure	measuring tape
a theodolite	goniometer
an angle	corner
a degree	degree
a grade	metric degree
diameter	diameter
a radius (plural: radii)	radius
circumference	perimeter, circumference
a constant	constant
a surface	surface
a face	front surface
a circle	circle
a concentric circle	concentric circle
a curved line	crooked line
an extremity	extreme point
a span	distance between objects
distance	distance
length	length
height	height
width	width
thickness	thickness
area	square
cross-sectional area	cross-sectional area
surface area	surface area
mass	weight
weight	weight
volume	volume
density	density
external	external
internal	interior
horizontal	horizontal
vertical	vertical
flat	flat
smooth	smooth, even
inclined	inclined, at an angle
to measure	to measure
to increase	increase
to decrease	reduce
Accuracy of measurements
dimensional accuracy	accuracy of measurements
precision	accuracy
a deviation	deviation
tolerance	error
a rounding error	rounding error
performance gap	inequality in indicators
tight tolerance = close tolerance	small permissible deviation
loose tolerance	wide permissible error
negligible	insignificant
imprecise/inaccurate	inaccurate
permissible	acceptable
within tolerance	within acceptable values
outside tolerance	out of range
approximately	approximately
to vary	vary
to round up or down	round up or down
Location
locating	location
a centreline	center line, center line
an offset	bias
centre-to-centre	distance between centers/axes
a reference point	reference point, starting point
a grid	net
a gridline	grid line
a diagonal	diagonal
perpendicular to	perpendicular to
to set out	mark position
to locate	locate, place
to run parallel with	be parallel
to intersect at	intersect at

Materials technology

A short dictionary on materials technology will help you work with wood, concrete or metals.

Word/Phrase	Translation
an element	element
a compound	compound
chemical composition	chemical composition
constituents	components
a chemical reaction	chemical reaction
a mixture	mixture
an alloy	admixture
a coefficient	coefficient
non-metals (carbon, silicon)	non-metals (coal, silicon)
metals (iron, copper): ferrous metals non-ferrous metals	metals (iron, copper): metals containing iron non-iron metals
a precious metal	a precious metal
raw materials: powder, fine particles a pellet a fiber	raw materials: powder, fine particles granule fiber
steel: carbon steel alloy steel stainless steel tool steel high-speed steel	steel: carbon steel alloy steel stainless steel tool steel high speed steel
a composite material	composite material
a reinforcing material	reinforcing material
a matrix	binder, solution
carbon fiber	carbon fiber
fiberglass	fiberglass
molten	molten, liquid
to disintegrate	divide into parts
to flow	flow
to cover	cover
to melt	melt
to rust	rust
Polymers
a natural polymer	natural polymer
a synthetic polymer	synthetic polymer
thermoplastics: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polycarbonate polyvinylchloride (PVC)	thermoplastics: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) polycarbonate polyvinyl chloride
thermosetting plastics = thermosets: epoxy resin polyimide	thermosets: epoxy resin (rubber) polyimide
an elastomer	elastomer
rubber	rubber
latex	rubber
Minerals and ceramic materials
a mineral	mineral
ceramics	ceramics
ore	ore mineral
an abrasive material	abrasive
clay	clay
a kiln	kiln
glass: float glass safety glass toughened glass = tempered glass laminated glass	glass: sheet glass shatterproof safety glass tempered high strength glass laminated safety glass
organic	organic
inorganic	inorganic
to anneal	harden, burn
Concrete
concrete	concrete
cement	cement
sand	sand
gravel	gravel
fine aggregate	fine aggregate
coarse aggregate	coarse aggregate
concrete mix design	selection of concrete mixture composition
batching	dosing
an additive	additive
a retarder	retarder (concrete)
reinforced concrete	reinforced concrete
reinforcing bars	fittings
formwork = shuttering	formwork
to cast concrete	lay concrete mixture
Wood
wood: hardwood softwood	wood: hardwood softwood
solid wood: grain knots /nɒts/	solid wood: bitches
engineered wood: a particle board = chipboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) a oriented strand board (OSB) a glue-laminated section (abbreviated glulam)	composite wood material: medium density fiberboard (MDF/Fibreboard) oriented strand board (OSB) laminated veneer lumber
plywood	plywood
timber = lumber	lumber
a sawmill	sawmill
resin	tree resin
stress-graded	graded by strength
to saw	to nag
Properties of materials
material properties	properties of materials
thermal properties	thermal properties
a thermal insulator	thermal insulation material
a coefficient of thermal expansion	coefficient of thermal expansion
a coefficient of linear expansion	coefficient of linear thermal expansion
tensile strength	tensile strength
compressive strength	compressive strength
deformation	deformation
elongation	stretching
extension	extension
hardening	hardening
corrosion	corrosion
resistance	resistance
elasticity	elasticity, firmness
ductility	elasticity, pliability
plasticity	plastic
hardness: scratch hardness indentation hardness	strength: scratch resistance hardness indentometric hardness, indentation hardness
durability	service life, wear resistance
fatigue	wear
fracture toughness	fracture resistance
thermal conductivity	thermal conductivity
stiff	hard, inelastic
brittle	fragile, fragile
malleable	malleable
ductile	viscous
to conduct	pass, pass
to fracture	crack, burst
to resist wear	be resistant to wear

Manufacturing and assembly

Making and assembling appliances and furniture from parts is a task not only for a talented engineer, but also for anyone who has started a renovation with their own hands.

Word/Phrase	Translation
manufacturing	production, manufacturing
machining	machining, machining
computer aided design (CAD) / computer aided manufacturing (CAM)	computer-aided design system/computer-aided manufacturing system
a workpiece	part, blank
a blank	workpiece
blanking	blank cutting
drilling	drilling, drilling
grinding	grinding, sharpening
punching	perforation
cutting: flame-cutting guillotining plasma cutting laser cutting	cutting: flame cutting guillotine cutting plasma cutting laser cutting
tools for cutting: a machine tool a circular saw a band saw a power hacksaw a milling machine a lathe a waterjet a cutting disk an abrasive wheel	cutting tools: metal cutting machine a circular saw band-saw hacksaw milling machine lathe water jet cutting machine circular knife grinding wheel, grinding wheel
swarf = chips	metal shavings, sawdust
assembly	assembly
a joint	connection, joint
an edge	edge
a ridge	edge
a rebate	gutter, groove
a helical groove	screw groove, spiral groove
a thread	screw thread
a tongue-and-groove joint	cleat"
a cavity = void	cavity, depression
a through hole	through hole
a blind hole	blind hole
chamfered	beveled
pointed	pointed, pointed
proud = raised	convex
recessed	recessed, flush mounted
toothed	serrated
flush with	flush with, flush with
to slot into	secure in groove
to screw into	screw in
to taper	narrow, cone
to machine	to machine, to machine
to rotate = to spin	rotate
Fasteners
a bolt	bolt
a nut (here)	screw
a washer: a flat washer = a plain washer a spring washer	washer: flat washer spring washer
a screw: a slot head screw a crosshead screw a machine screw a grub screw = a set screw	screw, screw: slotted screw Phillips head screw small mounting screw set screw, safety screw
a self-tapping screw	self-tapping screw, self-tapping screw
a screw anchor	dowel
a rivet: a solid rivet a blind rivet = a pop rivet	rivet: solid rivet blind rivet, single-sided rivet
tools for fastening: a spanner = a wrench a hex key a torque wrench a screwdriver pliers a rivet gun	fastening tools: wrench hex key torque wrench screwdriver pliers hand tool for setting rivets, riveter
to tighten (here)	screw tight, tighten
to loosen	loosen
to work loose	to become unsteady
to screw in	screw in, screw in
Permanent connections
welding: resistance welding spot welding seam welding ultrasonic welding shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) = arc welding = stick welding gas welding	welding: contact electric welding spot welding seam welding ultrasonic welding metal arc welding gas welding
brazing	refractory soldering
soldering	soft soldering
adhesive	adhesive
a solvent	solvent
to weld	weld, brew
to fuse	alloy
to evaporate	evaporate, evaporate

Energy and temperature

Forms of energy, temperature measurement - in the following selection of terms.

Word/Phrase	Translation
Energy
energy: kinetic energy thermal energy electrical energy sound energy light energy chemical energy nuclear energy	energy: kinetic energy thermal energy, thermal energy electricity sound energy, acoustic energy light energy chemical energy atomic energy, nuclear energy
energy efficiency	coefficient useful action(efficiency)
energy source	energy source
waste energy	wasted energy
a joule	joule
a watt	watt
wattage	power in watts
Temperature
temperature	temperature
heat	warm
vapor	steam
degrees Celsius	degrees Celsius
heat capacity	heat capacity
heat transfer	heat exchange, heat transfer
a heating system	heating system
a convector	Radiator
endothermic	endothermic
exothermic	exothermic

Water supply

The next section covers piping and fluid handling.

Word/Phrase	Translation
liquid	liquid
water supply	water supply
pipework	pipeline network
a main	main pipe
a drain	sewer pipe, drainage pipe
sewers	sewerage
a hose	hose
a pump	pump, pump
a turbine	turbine
a valve	valve
pressure	pressure
a pressure gauge	pressure measuring device, manometer
pressure differential	pressure drop
fluid dynamics	dynamics of liquids and gases, fluid dynamics
to flow	flow

Mechanisms

Let's move on to engines, motors and gears.

Word/Phrase	Translation
an engine: a petrol engine a diesel engine a jet engine	engine: Gas engine diesel engine jet engine
an internal combustion engine	internal combustion engine
an electric motor	electric motor
thrust	reactive driving force, traction
a fuel injector	fuel injector
transmission	transmission, transmission
a gear = a gear wheel: a spur gear a helical gear a bevel gear a crown gear a worm gear	gear, cogwheel: spur gear helical gear bevel gear ring gear worm gear
a gear train	gear block, gear transmission
a chain	chain
chain drive	chain transmission, chain drive
a wire rope	cable
a crankshaft	crankshaft, crankshaft
a flywheel	flywheel
reciprocating motion	reciprocating movement
rotary motion	rotational movement
to interlock	connect, mesh
to mesh together	to get involved, to get involved

Electricity

Collect electrical circuit and measure the frequency of alternating current will help the last section of our brief technical dictionary.

Word/Phrase	Translation
current: direct current (DC) alternating current (AC)	current: D.C. alternating current
voltage	voltage
resistance	resistance
an ampere	ampere
an electric charge	electric charge
a charge carrier	charge carrier, current carrier
an electromotive force (EMF)	electromotive force (EMF)
a volt	volt
an ohm	ohm
a device	device
an appliance	device
an electrical insulator	electrical insulator
installation	installation
power rating	rated power, maximum permissible power
electric shock	hit electric shock, electric shock
technical failure	technical failure, malfunction
Power supply
electrical supply	power supply, electrical supply
mains electricity	grid electricity
a power grid	electrical network, energy network
frequency	frequency
a hertz (Hz)	hertz
AC generation	AC generation
field coil	electromagnetic coil, inductor coil
electromagnetic induction	electromagnetic induction
a power station	power station
a power line = a transmission line	power line
a generator	generator
a rechargeable battery	rechargeable battery, battery
to charge	charge
Electrical circuit
an electric circuit	electrical circuit
a parallel circuit	parallel circuit
a series circuit	series circuit
a conductor	conductor
a semiconductor	semiconductor
a switchboard	switchboard
switchgear	distribution equipment
a power socket	power socket
an electric wire	electrical wire, electrical wire
a strand	stranded wire
extra-high voltage (EHV)	ultra high voltage
to earth	ground
to switch on	include
to switch off	turn off

Useful Resources

The time has come for those same 33 resources that they promised to provide earlier.

17.4 Open Technical Vocabulary OTD: Vocabulary of concepts conforming to ISO 22745 1. Source...

Technical Market Analysis- See technical analysis Dictionary of business terms. Akademik.ru. 2001 ... Dictionary of business terms

Technical project- See the Project Technical Dictionary of Business Terms. Akademik.ru. 2001 ... Dictionary of business terms

DICTIONARY- DICTIONARY, dictionary, husband. 1. A book containing a list of words arranged according to one principle or another (for example, alphabetically), with one or another explanation. English-Russian dictionary (containing translations of English words into Russian). Latin dictionary… … Dictionary Ushakova

TECHNICAL- (from the word technology). Characteristic of science or art, related to them. Dictionary foreign words, included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. TECHNICAL having one or another relation to technology and practice. Dictionary of foreign words,... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

TECHNICAL- technical, technical. 1. Adj. to technology in 1 value. T. progress of the country. Technical discovery. Technical knowledge. “Science, technical experience, knowledge are all acquired.” Stalin. || Adj., by meaning related to the study and scientific development... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

Technical corridor- Part of the installation in which all types of off-block communications are concentrated Source: VSN 514 89: Requirements for p... Dictionary-reference book of normative terms technical documentation

TECHNICAL EMISSION STANDARD- standard for the emission of harmful (pollutant) substances into atmospheric air, which is installed for mobile and stationary emission sources, technological processes, equipment and reflects the maximum permissible mass of harmful emissions... ... Ecological dictionary

technical- industrial, engineering Dictionary of Russian synonyms. technical adj., number of synonyms: 7 aviation technical (2) ... Synonym dictionary

technical alcohol - methyl alcohol Dictionary of Russian synonyms. technical alcohol noun, number of synonyms: 2 methyl alcohol (2) ... Synonym dictionary

Technical analysis- analysis valuable papers in order to identify and predict price trends based on statistical data. As a result of technical analysis, signals are generated about the advisability of buying or selling certain securities. In English … Financial Dictionary

Books

• Technical dictionary for forest engineers. Russian-English-French-German, L. Linde. In practical life, forestry specialists are often faced with the need to learn short term terminology in a foreign language for any branch of technical knowledge. From here... Buy for 1600 RUR
• Technical dictionary of economic and factory processing of rural products, Dmitry Tamochkin. Reproduced in the author's original spelling…

Today is programmer's day. On this occasion, there is a holiday in our office, balloons, fireworks (in fact, no: we work hard). But we couldn’t ignore such a day, so we prepared an article about technical English for IT specialists.

Why does a developer need English (this question made me laugh). The answer is obvious: English is needed to understand terminology, work with English-language interfaces, read technical documentation, study professional literature, conferences and webinars... And, of course, to be able to work abroad.

Developers already know a huge amount English words(just listen to our people: it’s as if they don’t speak Russian at all, but only “fix”, “debug”, “asap”). But using professional slang does not mean fully mastering English language. Therefore, we have collected resources in this article that will help you fully improve your English for work.

Contents of the article “English for Developers”:

We are looking for professional vocabulary:

Downloading skills:

English dictionary for programmers: sources of vocabulary

The vocabulary for developers is extensive. Those whom the average person might call an “IT person” include a dozen different specializations: frontend developers, backend developers, testers, web designers, product designers, and others (but all of them must be able to “fix a computer”).

We have collected sources where you can find both basic and highly specialized vocabulary.

1. English for IT specialists: textbooks

Textbooks are especially suitable for those who decide to learn the language on their own, as they offer a ready-made lesson program.

English for Information Technology– Suitable for entry level. Includes basic basic vocabulary.

Career path Software Engineering– a lexical guide for programmers that combines specialized vocabulary and work situations to develop communication skills. Topics: software development, testing, user interface, modeling, career options, etc.

Oxford English for Information Technology– another full-fledged course. Suitable for intermediate level. Includes a student workbook and an accompanying audio course.

Professional English in Use ICT– the course is suitable for intermediate level. The book is built from simple to complex, all units are divided into topics.

Check Your English Vocabulary for Computers and IT – workbook, designed to improve understanding of technical vocabulary. Includes crosswords, puzzles, etc.

2. English for it: online courses

On the Internet you can find sites with various online trainers for your technical English.

You can also find specialized vocabulary on the following websites:

The sites are in English, but ours will translate any word in two clicks.

4. Professional literature: blogs, magazines for IT specialists

Most effective method replenishment vocabulary– “take out” words from their living context. For example, read an article about a professional issue and write down new words from there. Such vocabulary will be better remembered, because it will be associated with a high-quality context.

Materials on Lingualeo: technical English for programmers

The Lingualeo library of materials contains more than 250 thousand authentic texts, videos, audio, etc. The main feature is that you can 1. click on an unfamiliar word ⇒ 2. see the translation ⇒ 3. add a word to study ⇒ 4. learn it using . And the context will always be with you.

We have a huge amount of materials on IT topics: collection, collection, etc.

Also, vocabulary and ideas can be drawn from and from special. And we have collected cool examples of Elevator pitch.

How to search for materials: enter in any technical term in English and sort the materials by difficulty level and format (video, audio, book). Instructions at the link.

Magazines and blogs in English for developers

The principle of working with texts on other sites can be just as convenient: 1. install ⇒ 2. point at unfamiliar words ⇒ 3. and add them for study.

Where to look for texts:

• news.ycombinator.com
• blog.codinghorror.com
• www.improgrammer.net
• www.smashingmagazine.com
• designm.ag
• sdtimes.com
• www.drdobbs.com
• www.creativebloq.com

We work with other skills: listening, speaking practice

Full ownership foreign language includes 4 skills: reading (we have named many sites for it), listening, writing and speaking (that is, speaking). We will find additional resources for listening and speaking.

1. Listening: podcasts and videos

Some of the collections on Lingualeo that I mentioned above are collections with videos that will also help improve your listening skills. Now let's find some podcasts:

• Herding Code - Technology podcasts with Scott Allen, Kevin Dente, Scott Kuhn and John Galloway.

Let's summarize: English for web designers and IT specialists

• Like any specialist, developers need not only basic English, but also highly specialized ones. This mainly concerns special vocabulary.
• Vocabulary can be found in professional dictionaries and in materials in English. The second option is preferable: this way you will learn even the most difficult words more firmly.
• Don’t forget other skills: listening (listen to podcasts, watch videos and TV series) and speaking (communicate with English-speaking colleagues on special forums and on social networks).

Well, once again we congratulate those involved on the holiday! Now let's go. 🙂