Two-dimensional, circumscribed space having measurable dimensions. Unoccupied plot of land. A building site or area around a building.
Area divider
A flashed assembly usually extending above the surface of the roof that is anchored to the roof deck. It is used to relieve thermal stresses in a roof system where an expansion joint is not required, or to separate large roof areas.
Area drain
Method of collecting water runoff from an area in a receptacle.
Area wall
A wall surrounding an areaway.
Areaway
Below grade, open space, which allows light or access to a basement door or window.
Areole
A small well-defined area, usually hairy and cushion-like, found on the stem of cacti. From them arise spinesorglochids.
Argon
A colorless, odorless inert gas sometimes used in the spaces between the panes in energy efficient windows. This gas is used because it will transfer less heat than air. Therefore, it provides additional protection against conduction and convection of heat over conventional double -pane windows.
Arm index
The index used to adjust the interest rates on adjustable rate mortgages. T-bills or prime rate are usually used for this index, which is not controlled by individual lenders.
Arm's length transaction
Transaction between unrelated entities or individuals acting in their own interest.
Armature
A laminated core of conductive material, such as copper, with insulated wire wound around it, in multiple layers, in which electromotive force is produced by magnetic induction in a generator or motor; usually a revolving part, but in an alternating current machine, it is often stationery. Basically generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy while motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy as it rotates. They both work by electrical conductors, which pass through the lines of magnetic force and are carried on the surface of the armature. Armatures are either fixed or rotating. The field will be stationary if the armature rotates as in DC machines. The field will be rotating if the armature is stationary as in AC machines.
