A contract whereby the shipowner places the vessel at the disposal of the charterer for one or more voyages, the shipowner being responsible for the operation of the vessel.

Fabricated as a single structure.

A construction element used to cover the exterior of wall framing and roof trusses.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer's least favourite part of the economy - also known as the cash.

A rating used by banks, insurance companies, mortgage companies and other financial institutions.

The total value of a deceased person's assets.

(ICS)A compensation scheme for investors with operating rules set by the Financial Services Authority.

Vessel or vessels of practically any size or type.

A chemical element (impurity) added in small amounts to an otherwise pure semiconductor material to modify the electrical properties of the material. An n-dopant introduces more electrons. A p-dopant creates electron vacancies (holes).

A popular term used to describe the heating effect due to the trapping of long wave (length) radiation by greenhouse gases produced from natural and human sources.

The deferment of certain loads to limit electrical power demand, or the production of energy during off-peak periods for storage and use during peak demand periods.

An instrument for determining the degree of polarization of light. See photopolarimeter.

The transverse partition between the cockpit and the cabin.

To abandon a ship at sea; to place people in a ship's boat or raft and leave them.

Lines drawn on a weather map indicating regions of equal pressure. When the lines are close together, this indicates a rapid change in air pressure, accompanied by strong winds.

Solar radiation reflected from the ground onto a solar collector.

Air that is returned to a heating or cooling appliance from a heated or cooled space.

In water transportation, the deliberate sacrifice of cargo to make the vessel safe for the remaining cargo. Those sharing in the spared cargo proportionately cover the loss.

September 16, 1992: the day the pound was driven out of the Exchange Rate.

A broker who buys and sells shares on the instructions of clients but who offers no advice about.