Dictionary

a credit: The best credit rating that a consumer can have, generally 720 or higher.

a/c condenser: The outside fan of the air conditioner. It takes the heat from the freon gas, makes the gas into a liquid and then recirculates the liquid back through the furnance's coil.

a/c: Refers to air conditioning or an air conditioner unit.

abatement: Eliminating, or reducing, the amount of pollution.

acceleration clause: An acceleration clause is a condition in a mortgage that may require the remainder of the loan to come due immediately if payments are not made or if the conditions of the mortgage are breached.

accrued interest: The interest that accumulates on the principal of an unpaid loan.

acheve: A one-seeded fruit, such as a strawberry, that does not split open to release its seed.

acid rain: Acid rain occurs when sulfur and nitrogen emissions, as well as other emissions, undergo chemical changes in the atmosphere and fall back to Earth as rain, snow or fog.

active solar technologies: Solar energy systems that use electrical or mechanical equipment to transform solar energy into usable heat.

adjustable rate mortgage (ARM): Mortgage loans in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically to more closely reflect the current rate.

adjustment interval: On an adjustable rate mortgage, the time between changes in the interest rate and/or monthly payment.

adventitious: Growth that has unusual points of origin, for example roots that grow out of a stem.

aeration: Aeration encourages and accelerates the degradation of water-borne pollutants. Passive aeration occurs when water is exposed to air. Active aeration forces air into the water.

air space: Normally, a one-inch air gap between insulating facing and interior wall coverings. This space prevents the transfer of moisture through the wall, allowing the exterior to appropriately dry out.

airborne particulates: Microscopic particles circulating in the air. Airborne particulates originate from combustion, the burning or wood and coal, industrial processes and more.

airborne release: The release of pollutants into the atmosphere.

algaecide: Any substance used to kill or control algae.

algal blooms: Abnormal explosions of algae growth in water, usually due to chemicals or pollutants.

alpine: Plants located in high mountain regions or rocky crags.

alternative documentation: A method of documenting a loan file by using information such as pay stubs and/or bank stubs instead of waiting for third parties to verify statements made on the loan application.

alternative fuels: Fuels intended to replace traditional gasoline or diesel.

amortization schedule: A timetable for the payment of a mortgage loan.

amortization: The process of repaying a loan via periodic payments of both principal and interest calculated to payoff the loan by the end of a fixed period of time.

amps: Short for amperes, amps refers to the rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.

anaerobic: Organisms that are able to live in the absence of oxygen.

annual percentage rate (APR): The interest rate that reflects the cost of a mortgage as a yearly rate.

appraisal: An estimate of the fair market value of a property.

appraiser: A person who appraises property.

aquifer: An underground source of water.

arbor: A free-standing device used to support vines or climbing plants.

arboretum: A collection of trees and shrubs that are used for scientific/educational purposes.

architect: A tradesman who designs/draws building plans and normally coordinates the building process.

asbestos: Now severely restricted, asbestos is a cancer- and asbestosis-causing mineral fiber that can contaminate water or air.

asbestosis: A progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

assumable mortgage: A mortgage that can be transferred from a seller to a buyer.

astragal: An attached closure on the fixed side of two swing, French or sliding doors which the other door hits.
Footbolt mechanisms are generally on the astragal (immobile) side.

authorized user: A person who is authorized to make changes to an account.

backfill: The slope of the ground next to the house. Also, excavated earth replaced into a trench around and against a basement foundation. In general, any kind of filler. In carpentry specifically, joining two boards together by gluing wood blocks in the interior angle.

balance: The difference between the amount paid and the amount due on a loan.

bale: A large bundle gathered for storage or transport.

balloon mortgage: A mortgage in which the balance of the loan is due in full at the end of the loan term.

balusters: Normally, small vertical railing members positioned either between the top rail and stair treads or the bottom rail.

balustrade: A railing or banister consisting of balusters that prevents people from falling.

band joist: Also known as a rim joist, a band joist forms the perimeter of the floor system as a vertical member where the floor joists tie in.

barcelona chair: A chair with a very simplistic design in a modern classical style.

barge board: A highly stylized ceiling or roof rafter mainly used in Gothic construction. This decorative board that drapes the fly rafter of the gable end. For the cornice, this involves a facie board.

baseboard: Wood or vinyl covering that makes up the space where the floor and wall meet (room perimeter). A board positioned against a wall that properly finishes the areas between the floor and the plaster.

batts: Fiber-glass or rock-wood insulation that ranges in sizes that are easy to handle. Batts can have paper or aluminum foil facing.

bauhaus: A school in Germany that combined crafts and fine arts, whose architecture focus was less aesthetics and more practicality. The motto was "form follows function.
"

bay window: A window space, either square or polygonal, that comes out from the building walls.

berm: A mound of earth used to stop the spread of contaminants.

biennial: A plant that requires two growing seasons to complete its life cycle.

biohazard: An organism or organic-based substance that adversely affects human or animal health.

biological contaminants: Living organisms or by-products of living organisms that negatively affect health.

biological pest control: The use of natural organisms to control unwanted pests.

biological stressors: Invasive species or organisms that disrupt the natural balance of an environment.

biomass: Usually used in reference to vegetation, biomass is the amount of living material located in a specific area.

biome: The community of organisms living in a specific area.

biosphere: The portion of the Earth and atmosphere capable of supporting life.

biotechnology: Technologies that use living cells and/or biological molecules to solve problems and/or make useful products.

blanch: To keep a plant's leaves and stems out of the light, which keeps the plant's tissues soft.

bloom: An explosion of algae and other plant life in water, usually due to growth-stimulating pollutants.

blossom end rot: A nutritional deficiency that affects such plants as the tomato, pepper and eggplant. The condition starts as dry decaying areas at the blossom end of the fruit.

board foot: A lumber measurement that equals one inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. A board foot is considered to be the basic unit of measurement for lumber.

bonsai: A potted plant that is dwarfed by pruning and root restriction.

bottle bill: A law in some states requiring a returnable deposit on drink cans and bottles. Used to encourage recycling.

bottom pate: A mold (that may have depressions, letters or symbols) used to shape the bottom of glass. Also, the lowest part of a wall in which studding is secured.

brackish: A mixture of fresh and salt water.

bridge loan: A type of loan that "bridges" the gap between the termination of one mortgage and the start of another.

brown rot: A very common fungal disease that causes brown and decaying tissues.

bud: An immature flower, leaf or set of leaves.

building code: Community regulations on how a home can be built or modified.

bulb: A storage organ, normally developed below ground level, used for propagation.

bulbil: A small bulb that forms along the stems of certain plants and that can develop a new plant when planted.

bundle (of shingles): The package or unit in which shingles are sold. Generally, 27 shingles per bundle with 3 bundles in a square.

buy-down: Lowering the overall interest rate of a loan by paying more money at the start of a loan.

cadmium: A heavy metal and pollutant that accumulates in the environment.

callus: Cork-like protective scar tissue that develops when a plant is damaged or cut.

cambium: A living cell layer in a plant that produces new cells.

canker: A bacterial or fungal disease that causes sunken bark lesions in woody plants.

capillary action: The natural, upward movement of water through confined spaces.

carbon dioxide: A gas present in the atmosphere both naturally and due to pollution. Carbon dioxide levels are thought to be a factor in global warming.

carbon monoxide: An invisible, odorless and toxic gas produced by fossil fuel combustion.

carbon tetrachloride: A chemical compound with carcinogenic properties that was once used as a solvent and in chlorofluorocarbon production.

carcinogen: Any compound that causes, triggers or worsens cancer.

carnivorous plant: Plants adapted to attract and ingest insects and small animals for nutrients.

catalyst: A substance that initiates or speeds up a chemical reaction without being destroyed or altered by the reaction.

catalytic converter: A motor vehicle antipollution device that removes pollutants from automobile exhaust.

cathedral ceiling: A high, open and normally slanted or pointed ceiling.

caulking: A watertight sealing material for exterior cracks and openings in areas such as windows, bathtubs, sinks and foundations.

chemical stressors: Chemicals released into the environment that cause sickness or death in organisms.

chief architect: The lead builder on a given housing project.

chlorophyll: The green pigmentation in leaves that facilitates photosynthesis.

circuit breaker: A protective device that opens an overloaded or shorted electric circuit.

clapboard: Also referred to as weatherboard, a clapboard is an overlapping, horizontal board that covers the exterior frame of a structure to make it waterproof. Clapboards are generally long, narrow and tapered.

clear cut: The logging practice of removing all trees in an area at once. Clear cutting causes soil erosion and flooding and destroys natural habitats.

clerestory: An upper window near the top of an exterior wall. In churches, clerestories are the uppermost, light-bearing windows.

climate change: A significant change in climate conditions. Often referred to in conjunction with global warming.

cloche: A small plastic or glass container that helps protect delicate plants from unfavorable weather conditions.

closing costs: Expenses incurred by buyers and sellers in the transfer of property ownership. Closing costs generally include an origination fee, an attorney's fee, taxes, etc.

closing date: The date at which the purchase of a property becomes final and the new owner takes possession.

closing: The final step in the execution of a real estate transaction.

coastal zone: Land and water next to the ocean coasts that affects and is affected by the ocean.

coliform bacteria: Microorganisms in the intestines of animals and humans. In water, coliform bacteria signals fecal water pollution.

collar beam: For carpentry, a tie that generally runs down the middle of a roof to join together like rafters on opposite sides.

colloid: Microscopic solids that can remain suspended in liquid for long periods.

compost: A mixture of decaying organic matter that is high in nutrients.

composting: Breaking down organic matter into a rich organic fertilizer.

concentration: The measurement of how much of one substance is present in another substance.

conduit: A hollow pipe or tube that contains and protects electric lines.

conifer: A cone-bearing plant, such as an evergreen or bald cypress.

conservation: The protection, preservation and renewal of natural resources.

contaminant: Any substance that negatively affects the quality of air, soil or water.

contemporary décor: A style and layout of interior furnishings that is of the latest style.

contour plowing: A method of tilling the land by following the land's natural shape, thus reducing erosion.

conventional mortgage: A mortgage loan not insured by HUD or guaranteed by the Veteran's Administration. It is subject to conditions established by the lending institution and state statutes. The rate may vary with different institutions and between states.

conversion option: The option to change a loan from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate.

corm: The enlarged, fleshy base of a stem in which food accumulates.

cornice: A decorative piece of framework or molding that runs along the top of a wall near the ceiling. A cornice may be used to conceal fixtures and/or wiring or can be merely decorative.

co-sign: To jointly sign a promissory note with another person. If the primary signer defaults on the loan, the co-signer can be held responsible for the balance.

credit report: A document that lists a person's credit history. A credit report contains information from banks, merchants and creditors.

credit score: A score based on the analysis of a credit report that creditors use to determine the worthiness of a creditor.

cripple stud: Short stud used as wall opening support rather than a normal 93 or 96-inch stud. Cripple studs fill in he gaps between the top plate, sill plate, bottom plate and the header.

cross pollination: Moving pollen from one flower to another for fertilization purposes, frequently performed by insects.

crown molding: The highest molding on a door, cabinet or window where the wall meets the ceiling. While crown moldings may be used to cover a cornice, they are generally used along cabinets or furniture.

crown: The upper part of a plant, such as the branches and leaves of a tree.

culun: Stems that are hollow, such as bamboo shoots.

cumulative interest: To date, the total amount charged as interest on a loan or mortgage.

cycad: A group of tropical trees and shrubs that have thick stems, fern-like leaves and fleshy seeds.

DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Triloroethane): An insecticide that accumulates in the fatty tissue of some animals. With a half-life of 15 years, DDT accumulates in the environment and is now banned in the United States with the exception of certain emergency applications.

deadheading: Removing spent flowers from plants.

debt consolidation: Combining multiple loans into a single loan, often with a lower monthly payment and a longer repayment period.

decibel: A unit of sound measurement.

deciduous: Perennial plants that lose their leaves at the end of the growing season.

deed in lieu of foreclosure: Giving a the deed of a property back to a lender instead of foreclosing on a property.

default: Failing to pay off a debt.

deferred interest: Interest that is not paid as it accumulates but rather is added to the loan principle.

defoliant: Any herbicide or substance that removes leaves from plants.

delinquency: Failing to make monthly payments when they are due.

demand clause: A clause in a loan that allows the lender to demand repayment at any time and for any reason.

dentil: A decorative part of a cornice that looks like a group of small, rectangular, teeth-like blocks. Dentils are generally on the underside or bottoms of moldings.

dermal toxicity: A substance's ability to poison through skin absorption.

desalination: Either the removal of salt from ocean water or the removal of salt from soil.

detergent: A substance used to remove dirt and oil. When released into water, some detergents kill helpful bacteria and result in accelerated algae growth.

dieback: The progressive death of a plant's roots, leaves and shoots.

diffusion: The distribution of a substance from a specific area to a larger area, which reduces the substance's concentration.

discharge waiver: A waiver that a company or individual must obtain before emptying wastewater into surface water.

discount mortgage broker: A mortgage broker who claims to be compensated by the lender rather than the borrower.

dormancy: A time in which a plant's growth slows or stops. A plant's dormant period is typically during winter.

dormer window: Windows that stick out of a roof, but also have their own roofs.

double glazing: Refers to windows with two layers of glass separated by a space of air. As an excellent insulator, double glazing keeps heat in a home during the winter while keeping the home cool in the summer.

double-hung window: A window featuring two vertical sashes, or panels, in which one slides up and down past the other (the upper sash is usually immobile) to open the window.

down payment: The amount of money that a buyer puts forward toward the purchase price of a new home.

drainage basin: An area where water and sediment are discharged into a stream or river.

drip edge: A metal or vinyl panel along a roof's eave that aid helps keep water from running back or below an overhang.

drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed, such as plums and cherries.

drywall: A gypsum board material used to construct walls or ceilings.

dwarf: A plant that is abnormally short.

E. coli (Eschericia coli): A common intestinal bacterium found in the lower intestines of mammals.
Spread by fecal contamination, E. coli can cause severe illness.

eave vent: A vent found in the underside of the roof that allows air to pass through and out of the attic.

eco friendly home: A home that is built to help the environment. It usually uses sustainable energy sources and reduces waste as much as possible.

ecological impact: The impact human activity and industry has on the environment.

ecology: The relationship and study of an organism's relationship to its environment.

ecosphere: The area of Earth where life is sustained.

effective rate: The true rate of return, which takes into account all relevant financing expenses.

efflorescence: Deposits of soluble salts that can appear on the walls of planters.

effluent: Wastewater that is discharged into surface water.

electromagnetic: Magnetic force that is generated by electricity.

emission: Air pollution discharged from factories, cars, fires, trains, airplanes, etc.

endangered species: Organisms threatened with extinction due to either man-made or natural factors.

endrin: A pesticide that is toxic to aquatic life. In water supplies, endrin can produce adverse health effects.

EPA: The United States Environmental Protection Agency.

epidemic: The development of a new disease in a specific population.

epiphyte: A plant that affixes itself to trees, rocks or other plants for support.

equity: The difference between the market value of a property and the claims held against it.

escrow: A deed, a bond, money or a piece of property held in trust by a third party that is turned over to the grantee upon the fulfillment of certain conditions.

espalier: Training a tree or shrub to grow in a flat pattern.

estuary: Any area where freshwater rivers meet and mix with ocean water.

ethanol: An alternative fuel made from grains and corn.

evergreens: Plants that keep their foliage all year.