The ability to maintain the original intended dimensions when influenced by a foreign substance. Wood is hygroscopic, and is not dimensional stable with changes in moisture content below the fiber saturation point.
Dimmer
A light control device that allows light levels to be manually adjusted. A dimmer can save energy by reducing the amount of power delivered to the light while consuming very little themselves.
Dimmer switch
Electrical switch used to reduce the amount of light coming from a fixture.
Dimple
(1) Any hollow or depression in a surface. (2) Depression left by a nail being set by hammer in the surface of drywall.
Diocecious
A plant which bears either male of female flowers.
Diode
An electronic device that allows current to flow in one direction only.
Dip brazing
Process of brazing which uses heat from molten chemicals or metal bath.
Dip needle
Freely moving, vertically suspended magnetic needle which is used to indicate the direction of the earth's magnetism; horizontal at the magnetic equator, vertical at the magnetic poles.
Dip soldering
Process of soldering which uses heat from a molten metal bath of solder.
Dip tube
A tube inside a domestic water heater that distributes the cold water from the cold water supply line into the lower area of the water heater where heating occurs.
