Governmental body having the responsibility for planning the future development of a jurisdictional area. A planning commission is responsible for developing and managing a zoning ordinance as well as interfacing with a professional planning department.
Planning grid
Grid which shows the dimensions of a structure in multiples of four to give the builder some choice in locating openings and allowing matching of vertical and horizontal surfaces. Material lists are matched to the grid, so that use of the standard sized materials, can minimize waste.
Plano lens
The nonprescription, protective lens used in safety glasses and goggles.
Plant patent numbers
This generally is a catalog referral phrase. For the general gardener it may not be important but new plants, like inventions, can also be patented. This is a protection for the owner who created the "new" plant.
Plant window
Double window with plants grown in the space between.
Plasma
High pressure ionized gas, a good conductor of electricity and can be affected by a magnetic field, which is used in a cutting process that uses an electric arc to ionize the gas, turning it to plasma.
Plasma spraying
Metal spraying process that is used to apply a hard surfacing to a softer material to add wear resistance while still retaining their original characteristic. This process uses an electric arc between an electrode and a nozzle, through which an ionized gas flows to melt the coating and to spray it onto the material in question.
Plaster
A cementitious material or combination of cementitious material and aggregate that, when mixed with a suitable amount of water, forms a plastic mass or paste which when applied to a surface, adheres to it and subsequently hardens, preserving in a rigid state the form or texture imposed during the period of plasticity; also the placed and hardened mixture.
Plaster board
Another term for drywall, gypsum or plaster wrapped construction material, produced in large sheets to be nailed to wall studs.
Plaster ears
Projecting pieces of wood on the sides of cabinets, which allow the cabinet to be trimmed to completely fill a space. Alternately, the metal ear-like tabs on electrical boxes, which keep the box from falling through the wall opening.
