Welcome to The Contractors' Dictionary of Equipment, Tools, and Techniques, the most extensive compilation of terms, concepts, names, abbreviations, tools, and techniques common to a wide range of related fields, including building construction, architecture, engineering, surveying, interior design, heavy construction, mining, public works, and more. Here are just a few of the outstanding features that put this dictionary a cut above all similar references now on the market:. Comprehensive: from abstract concepts to individual machine parts, from the historical names of the parts of an arch to a detailed definition of a "microprocessor-controlled engine governor," the Dictionary features more than 50,000 definitions and descriptions, including many not covered in other dictionaries. Authoritative: In addition to drawing on dozens of references, encyclopedias, catalogs, databases, and other information sources from around the world, the author wrote this valuable reference tool with the avid support and assistance of nearly 100 manufacturers, trade associations, government agencies, and specialists in their fields. Easy to use: All terms are arranged alphabetically, many are grouped according to logical common topics, and all are thoroughly cross-referenced. For example, all 18 definitions for "horsepower" are given under that general heading and are cross-referenced virtually everywhere they appear throughout the entire book. Useful at home and abroad: Throughout the Dictionary, all weights, volumes, spatial dimensions, and specifications are presented in both metric and nonmetric values, and an appendix includes metric-to-nonmetric and nonmetric-to-metric conversion factors and tables. No other professional dictionary offers such a wealth of information vital to so broad a range of allied industries. Take a few minutes to browse through this copy of The Contractors' Dictionary of Equipment, Tools, and Techniques. We guarantee that once you do, you'll wonder how you ever managed to do your job without it.