- In "limit 'rise' in potential," the word "rise" most nearly means:
Answer: increase in voltage experienced at the equipment housing
This question tests your ability to interpret technical vocabulary in context, a crucial skill for electrical work where the same word can have multiple meanings depending on the situation.
In electrical systems, "rise in potential" refers to an increase in voltage at a specific location. The passage describes a safety concern: during a fault condition, inadequate grounding could cause the equipment enclosure to develop a dangerous voltage level that could shock ("sting") a technician who touches it. The oversized equipment ground conductor prevents this voltage increase by providing a better path for fault current to return safely to the source.
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A (rebellion) uses "rise" in a completely different context—political or social uprising—which has nothing to do with electrical systems. Choice B (vertical ascent) might seem plausible since electrical work involves cable routing, but the passage isn't discussing the physical installation path of conductors. Choice C (standing up) is the most basic physical meaning of "rise" and is entirely unrelated to the electrical safety concept being discussed.
Choice D correctly identifies that "rise" means an increase in voltage at the equipment housing, which creates the shock hazard the designer is trying to prevent.
Study tip: When encountering technical passages on the IBEW exam, always consider the electrical meaning of terms first, even when those words have common non-technical meanings. Context clues like "fault current," "enclosure voltage," and "equipment ground" should immediately signal that you're dealing with electrical safety concepts, not general vocabulary.
- Here, "viable" most nearly means:
Answer: capable of working successfully
This question tests your ability to determine word meaning from context, a skill that's essential when interpreting technical specifications and safety documents in electrical work.
To find the meaning of "viable," look at the surrounding context clues. The passage states that the engineering team needed to "confirm" the design was viable "before committing resources" for "mass production and installation." This suggests they're evaluating whether something will work in practice before investing time and money.
Choice A) "capable of working successfully" perfectly captures this meaning. The team wants to verify the design will function effectively in real-world applications before moving forward with production.
Choice B) "mandated by safety regulators" misses the mark because the passage focuses on the team's internal evaluation process, not regulatory requirements. There's no mention of compliance or mandates.
Choice C) "historically significant to the industry" doesn't fit the context at all. The passage discusses a new design being evaluated for future production, not something with historical importance.
Choice D) "strictly theoretical in application" is actually the opposite of what the passage suggests. The team is specifically trying to move beyond theory to confirm the design will work in practical, real-world situations.
Study tip: When encountering unfamiliar vocabulary in technical contexts, always examine the surrounding words and overall situation. The context usually provides strong clues about meaning, especially when the passage describes a process or decision-making scenario like this one.
- Here, the word "latched" most nearly indicates that the input is:
Answer: held in its present state until deliberately released
When you encounter technical terminology questions on the IBEW exam, focus on how the term is used in context rather than getting distracted by multiple meanings a word might have in everyday language.
In PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems, a "latched" input refers to a memory function where the system maintains a particular state even after the original triggering condition disappears. The passage provides a key clue: the bit "would hold its state until a manual reset cleared it." This describes a deliberate control feature designed to ensure important alarm conditions aren't missed, even if the original problem is intermittent.
Answer A correctly captures this concept - the input is "held in its present state until deliberately released" through the manual reset process mentioned in the passage.
Answer B is wrong because this isn't about physical security or unauthorized access. The "latch" here is an electronic memory function, not a security measure.
Answer C represents a common trap - thinking of "latch" in its mechanical sense, like a door latch with springs and catches. While PLCs do have physical components, the passage clearly describes an electronic state-holding function.
Answer D misses the mark because this isn't a malfunction due to corrosion. The passage describes latching as an intentional feature that technicians need to understand, not a problem to fix.
For IBEW exam success, remember that electrical terms often have specific technical meanings that differ from everyday usage. Always let the context guide your interpretation, and look for clues in the passage that explain how the system is supposed to work.
- In this context, the term "dress" most nearly means:
Answer: prepare and tidy up equipment to ensure proper function
When you encounter vocabulary questions on the IBEW exam, context is everything. Technical trades use many common words in specialized ways, and you need to identify the specific meaning based on how it's used in the electrical field.
In this passage, "dress the raceway" refers to preparing the conduit or cable tray system before pulling wire through it. The crew performed specific preparation tasks: re-aligning offsets (bends in the conduit), reaming burrs (removing sharp metal edges), and cleaning out debris. These actions all serve one purpose—ensuring the conductors can be pulled smoothly without damage. This clearly indicates that "dress" means to prepare and tidy up equipment for proper function, making choice B correct.
Choice A refers to clothing, which has no relevance to electrical work or raceways. Choice C relates to food preparation, which again doesn't connect to the electrical context described. Choice D involves medical treatment, which is completely unrelated to conduit preparation work.
The key clue is that all the actions described (aligning, reaming, cleaning) are preparation steps that improve the raceway's condition and functionality. In electrical work, "dressing" equipment means making it neat, properly arranged, and ready for use—whether you're dressing a raceway for wire pulling or dressing cables in a panel for organization.
Remember that trade-specific vocabulary often uses familiar words in specialized ways. Always look at the surrounding context and the specific actions described to determine the technical meaning rather than assuming the everyday definition applies.
- Based on the passage, what does load calculation mean?
A small restaurant adds more kitchen equipment. The electrician performs a load calculation by listing the expected electrical demand of ovens, refrigeration, and lighting. He explains that this total helps decide whether the existing service can handle the added equipment without frequent trips. The load calculation helps select proper conductor and breaker sizes for safe operation.
Answer: Estimating total electrical demand to size service and circuits
This question tests the ability to interpret the meaning of vocabulary within a contextual passage, a key reading comprehension skill for adult learners. Understanding vocabulary in context involves using surrounding text to infer the precise meaning of terms, especially technical or industry-specific language. In this passage, the term load calculation is used within a scenario describing adding kitchen equipment in a restaurant and estimating total demand. Choice A is correct because it accurately captures the contextual meaning of load calculation, as demonstrated by the surrounding text which indicates it is estimating total electrical demand to size service and circuits. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects a common misunderstanding where students might assume load calculation involves weighing materials, confusing it with shipping checks. To help students master this skill, encourage them to identify context clues such as definitions, examples, and restatements. Practice with technical vocabulary in realistic scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- Which phrase best explains the term grounding in the passage?
While installing a new receptacle circuit, the electrician bonds the metal box and connects a bare copper wire to the panel's ground bar. He calls this grounding: creating a safe path for fault current so metal parts don't stay energized. He explains that if a hot conductor touches the metal box, grounding helps the breaker trip quickly instead of leaving the box dangerous to touch.
Answer: Creating a safe fault path to reduce shock risk
This question tests the ability to interpret the meaning of vocabulary within a contextual passage, a key reading comprehension skill for adult learners. Understanding vocabulary in context involves using surrounding text to infer the precise meaning of terms, especially technical or industry-specific language. In this passage, the term grounding is used within a scenario describing the installation of a new receptacle circuit, involving bonding metal parts. Choice B is correct because it accurately captures the contextual meaning of grounding, as demonstrated by the surrounding text which indicates it creates a safe path for fault current to reduce shock risk. Choice A is incorrect because it reflects a common misunderstanding where students might assume grounding involves weatherproofing, confusing it with corrosion protection methods. To help students master this skill, encourage them to identify context clues such as definitions, examples, and restatements. Practice with technical vocabulary in realistic scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- In the sentence above, the word "flash" is best understood to mean:
Answer: brief application of external current to re-magnetize the field
When you encounter electrical terminology questions on the IBEW exam, context is everything. Technical terms often have specialized meanings that differ from their everyday usage, so you need to read the entire passage to understand what's actually happening.
This passage describes a generator that won't "excite" or build up voltage because it has lost its residual magnetism during storage. The technician's solution is to use a portable supply to provide a "flash" to restore the field magnetism. In this electrical context, "flash" refers to a brief application of external current to re-magnetize the field windings, making answer A correct. This is a standard procedure called "flashing the field" - you apply a momentary DC current to restore the magnetic field strength needed for the generator to self-excite and build voltage normally.
Answer B (sudden burst of light) represents the most common everyday meaning of "flash," but there's no mention of light or visual effects in this electrical procedure. Answer C (public display for attention) relates to slang usage like "flashing" for exposure, which has nothing to do with electrical work. Answer D (photographic exposure) connects to camera flash photography, again completely unrelated to generator maintenance.
The key strategy here is recognizing that electrical trade language uses many common words with specialized meanings. When you see familiar words in technical passages, always interpret them within the electrical context first. Words like "flash," "ground," "hot," and "dead" all have specific electrical meanings that may differ from everyday usage.
- "Arduous" as used here most nearly means:
Answer: physically demanding
This question tests vocabulary comprehension in a workplace context. When you encounter unfamiliar words on the IBEW exam, use context clues from the surrounding scenario to determine meaning.
The passage describes apprentices hauling a heavy 4/0 cable spool up five flights of stairs without mechanical assistance. The key context clues are "without a hoist" and the physical reality of moving heavy electrical equipment manually up multiple floors. This scenario clearly points to something that would be physically challenging and strenuous.
Answer A, "physically demanding," perfectly captures this meaning. "Arduous" describes tasks that require significant physical effort, endurance, or hardship - exactly what you'd expect when manually carrying heavy cable up stairs.
Answer B, "quickly outsourced," doesn't fit the context. The passage describes the apprentices actually performing the task, not delegating it to someone else. Answer C, "dangerously illegal," misses the mark entirely - there's nothing in the passage suggesting legal issues, just physical difficulty. Answer D, "theoretically impossible," is contradicted by the fact that the apprentices actually completed the task.
When facing vocabulary questions on technical exams, always ground unfamiliar words in the practical scenario described. The IBEW exam often uses workplace situations to test reading comprehension, so think about what would realistically happen in that job context. If you're unsure of a word's meaning, eliminate answers that clearly don't match the situation's logic.
- In this context, the term bonded most nearly means:
Answer: Permanently joined to form a continuous electrical path.
When you encounter questions about electrical bonding on the IBEW exam, focus on the fundamental safety principle: creating a reliable path for fault current to reach ground and trigger protective devices.
The passage describes bonding as creating "a low-impedance path" for fault current flow. This requires metallic components to be "permanently joined to form a continuous electrical path" (D). Bonding connects enclosures, conduits, and equipment frames so that if a fault occurs, current can flow safely to ground rather than creating dangerous voltage differences between components. This permanent, continuous connection ensures the overcurrent protection device will operate quickly to clear the fault.
Option A is incorrect because bonding requires electrical connection, not insulation. If components were insulated from each other, fault current couldn't flow to ground, defeating the safety purpose. Option B misinterprets "bonded" as mechanical adhesion rather than electrical connection. While components must be physically secure, the critical function is electrical continuity, not adhesive attachment. Option C describes temporary test connections, but electrical bonding must be permanent and reliable under fault conditions—temporary clips would create dangerous failure points.
Remember that bonding questions on the IBEW exam typically test your understanding of electrical safety fundamentals. Look for keywords like "continuous path," "fault current," and "low-impedance" to identify bonding concepts. The goal is always creating a permanent, reliable electrical connection that ensures safety equipment operates properly during faults.
- Here, the word "load" most nearly means:
Answer: electrical power demand placed on a circuit
When you encounter vocabulary questions on the IBEW exam, context is everything. Technical terms often have multiple meanings, and you need to identify which definition applies in an electrical context.
The passage provides crucial clues about the electrical meaning of "load." The mention of "kilovolt-ampere demand," "feeder," and "neutral downsizing" all point to electrical systems. In electrical work, load diversity refers to the fact that not all electrical devices connected to a circuit operate at full capacity simultaneously. This allows engineers to size conductors based on actual expected demand rather than the theoretical maximum if every device ran at 100% capacity. That's why the neutral could be downsized – the actual electrical power demand would be less than the sum of all connected equipment ratings.
Answer D correctly identifies "load" as electrical power demand placed on a circuit. This matches perfectly with the electrical context and the reference to kilovolt-ampere demand.
Answer A (emotional stress) has no connection to the electrical engineering context described in the passage. Answer B (physical burden) represents the apprentices' initial misunderstanding – they thought "load" meant physical weight, which the passage explicitly corrects. Answer C (quantity of items transported) relates to shipping or logistics, not electrical systems.
Remember this pattern: On technical exams, when a word has multiple meanings, the correct definition will always align with the professional context of the passage. Look for technical terminology in the surrounding text to guide your choice.
- What does the context suggest about the meaning of phase balancing?
After adding new office circuits, a panel shows one phase carrying noticeably higher current. The foreman recommends phase balancing, meaning rearranging single-phase circuits so each phase shares the load more evenly. He moves a few breakers and rechecks the readings. With improved phase balancing, the panel runs cooler and the currents are closer across phases.
Answer: Rearranging circuits so current is more even across phases
This question tests the ability to interpret the meaning of vocabulary within a contextual passage, a key reading comprehension skill for adult learners. Understanding vocabulary in context involves using surrounding text to infer the precise meaning of terms, especially technical or industry-specific language. In this passage, the term phase balancing is used within a scenario describing adjusting circuits after adding office loads for even current distribution. Choice A is correct because it accurately captures the contextual meaning of phase balancing, as demonstrated by the surrounding text which indicates it is rearranging circuits so current is more even across phases. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects a common misunderstanding where students might assume phase balancing changes power types, confusing it with AC/DC conversion. To help students master this skill, encourage them to identify context clues such as definitions, examples, and restatements. Practice with technical vocabulary in realistic scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- In the designer's statement, the verb "sink" most nearly conveys the idea of:
Answer: absorb unwanted energy so it is removed from the main path
This question tests your ability to understand technical vocabulary in context, specifically how common words take on specialized meanings in electrical engineering applications.
In electrical systems, when engineers talk about a filter that "sinks" high-frequency noise back to the DC bus, they're describing how the filter acts as a pathway that diverts unwanted electrical energy away from where it would cause problems. The filter absorbs or redirects this noise so it doesn't interfere with the clean sine wave output on the feeder conductors. Answer B captures this concept perfectly—the filter absorbs unwanted energy and removes it from the main signal path.
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A refers to the literal meaning of "sink" related to water, which has nothing to do with electrical systems. Choice C describes countersinking screws or fasteners, which is a mechanical process unrelated to electrical filtering. Choice D refers to a financial "sinking" of capital, where money is invested in something unlikely to succeed—this doesn't match the technical context of electrical filtering at all.
The key insight is that "sink" in electrical terminology means to provide a low-impedance path that draws unwanted current or energy away from sensitive circuits, effectively "absorbing" it.
Study tip: On IBEW exams, pay close attention to how common English words are used in technical contexts. Words like "sink," "source," "ground," and "float" often have precise electrical meanings that differ from their everyday usage. Understanding these technical definitions is crucial for interpreting circuit descriptions and troubleshooting scenarios.
- In the phrase "strike an average," the verb "strike" most nearly means:
Answer: compute or determine by arithmetic calculation
This question tests your ability to interpret vocabulary in context, particularly when technical terms have multiple meanings in different situations. When you encounter unfamiliar word usage, always consider how the surrounding context clues guide the meaning.
In this electrical safety passage, the key context clues are "average of multiple irradiance readings" and "calculating." The electrician must process numerical data from several measurements to create an arc-flash label. The phrase "strike an average" uses "strike" in its mathematical sense, meaning to compute or determine through calculation. This is similar to how we might say "strike a balance" or "strike a mean" - all referring to finding a calculated result.
Looking at the wrong answers: Option B ("hit forcibly") represents the most common physical meaning of "strike," but there's no mention of physical tools or force in this electrical measurement context. Option C ("cease work collectively") refers to labor strikes, which is completely unrelated to the technical procedure described. Option D ("discover precious metal by drilling") relates to mining terminology like "strike gold," but this passage deals with electrical safety calculations, not mining operations.
The correct answer is A - "strike" here means to compute or determine by arithmetic calculation, specifically finding the average of multiple measurements.
Study tip: On IBEW exam vocabulary questions, always let the technical context guide your interpretation. Words often have specialized meanings in electrical work that differ from their everyday usage. Focus on the surrounding technical details to determine which definition fits the professional situation.
- In this excerpt, the word "dead" primarily conveys that the line is:
Answer: completely de-energized and carrying no voltage
When you encounter electrical terminology on the IBEW exam, context is crucial for determining precise meaning. Technical terms often have specific meanings that differ from everyday usage.
The passage provides clear electrical context: a line crew working with a conductor that has been isolated from its power source. The key phrase "its source had been isolated" directly explains why the line is considered "dead" - it has been disconnected from electrical supply, making it safe to work on.
Answer C correctly identifies that "dead" means completely de-energized and carrying no voltage. This is standard electrical terminology used throughout the industry. When electrical workers say a line is "dead," they specifically mean it has no electrical current or voltage present, making it safe for maintenance work.
Answer A misinterprets "dead" in an emotional or subjective sense, which has no relevance to electrical work or safety procedures. Answer B suggests the line has no future utility, but the passage indicates this is temporary - the crew is maintaining the line until "the switching order cleared," meaning it will be re-energized. Answer D applies a biological definition of death to an inanimate electrical system, which doesn't make technical sense.
For IBEW exam success, always interpret electrical terminology within its professional context. "Dead" lines, "live" wires, and "hot" circuits all refer to electrical states, not literal conditions. When you see these terms, immediately think about electrical energy presence or absence - this will guide you to the correct technical interpretation every time.
- The word "subsequent" most nearly means:
Answer: following in time
This question tests your vocabulary skills, specifically your ability to determine word meaning from context clues. When you encounter unfamiliar words on the IBEW exam, look for contextual hints that reveal the word's meaning.
The key context clue here is the phrase "additional code violations," which suggests that violations were found beyond those discovered in an earlier inspection. The word "subsequent" describes when this second walkthrough occurred relative to a previous one. Breaking down the word itself can help: "sub-" means "under" or "after," and "-sequent" relates to "sequence" or order. Together, they indicate something that comes after something else in time.
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B ("unrelated to cause") misinterprets the word entirely—subsequent has nothing to do with causation, only timing. Choice C ("conducted at random") suggests the walkthrough was done haphazardly, but subsequent refers to timing, not methodology. Choice D ("completed beforehand") is actually the opposite of subsequent—that would be "precedent" or "previous."
Choice A ("following in time") correctly captures that the walkthrough happened after an earlier inspection, which aligns perfectly with both the context clues and the word's definition.
Study tip: When facing vocabulary questions, use word parts as clues. Many English words, especially technical terms you'll encounter in electrical work, have Latin or Greek roots. Learning common prefixes like "sub-" (under/after) and "pre-" (before) will help you decode unfamiliar words even when context is limited.
- In the sentence, "coarse" most nearly means:
Answer: rough or unrefined
This question tests vocabulary in context, specifically understanding how word meaning relates to technical situations in electrical work. When you encounter vocabulary questions, always consider how the word functions within the specific technical context provided.
The passage describes a problem where conduit threads that are "too coarse" prevent a coupling from forming a tight seal. In threading terminology, "coarse" refers to threads that are rough or unrefined - meaning they have fewer threads per inch and larger spacing between thread peaks. This creates an imperfect fit that allows gaps where moisture can penetrate, which is exactly the problem described in the passage.
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B ("precise and detailed") describes the opposite of coarse - this would be "fine" threading that creates tight, precise fits. Choice C ("lightweight and flexible") refers to material properties that have nothing to do with thread characteristics or sealing problems. Choice D ("transparent and brittle") also describes unrelated material properties that wouldn't affect how threads engage with a coupling.
The correct answer is A because coarse threads are literally rough and unrefined, creating the loose fit that prevents proper sealing.
Study tip: On the IBEW exam, vocabulary questions often use technical terms that have both general and specialized meanings. Always interpret the word based on the trade context provided. In electrical work, "coarse" specifically refers to thread pitch and quality, not general roughness. Practice connecting technical vocabulary to real-world installation problems you'll encounter in the field.
- In the passage, what does blueprint mean?
A foreman meets the crew to plan rough-in. He opens the blueprint and shows symbols for receptacles, switches, and lighting. He explains that the blueprint is the project drawing that guides where items are installed, not just a rough sketch. When the architect revises a wall, the updated blueprint helps the crew avoid placing boxes in the wrong location.
Answer: A project drawing set that shows where to install devices
This question tests the ability to interpret the meaning of vocabulary within a contextual passage, a key reading comprehension skill for adult learners. Understanding vocabulary in context involves using surrounding text to infer the precise meaning of terms, especially technical or industry-specific language. In this passage, the term blueprint is used within a scenario describing planning rough-in with drawings showing symbols for devices. Choice A is correct because it accurately captures the contextual meaning of blueprint, as demonstrated by the surrounding text which indicates it is a project drawing set that shows where to install devices. Choice B is incorrect because it reflects a common misunderstanding where students might assume blueprint is a printing machine, confusing it with labeling tools. To help students master this skill, encourage them to identify context clues such as definitions, examples, and restatements. Practice with technical vocabulary in realistic scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- In this scenario, the verb "chase" most nearly means:
Answer: re-cut or clean existing threads with a die to restore fit
In electrical work, many common terms have specialized meanings that differ from their everyday usage. This question tests whether you understand trade-specific vocabulary that apprentices encounter on the job.
The correct answer is B because "chasing threads" is a standard electrical term meaning to re-cut or clean existing threads with a die to restore proper fit. When galvanized nipples get corroded, painted over, or damaged, their threads can become rough or clogged, preventing locknuts from threading on smoothly. A journeyman uses a die stock (threading tool) to "chase" these threads, essentially cleaning and restoring them to their original condition so fittings will thread on properly.
Answer A represents the common English meaning of "chase" (to pursue rapidly), which is what the apprentice initially thought when hearing they needed to chase something. This shows the confusion that can arise when trade terminology differs from everyday language.
Answer C (flirtatious courtship) is completely unrelated to electrical work and represents another colloquial use of "chase" that has no place in this professional context.
Answer D (drinking a chaser after alcohol) is yet another informal meaning of "chase" that's irrelevant to electrical terminology and workplace situations.
For the IBEW exam, familiarize yourself with trade-specific terminology where common words take on specialized meanings. Words like "chase," "pull," "run," and "tie" all have specific electrical applications that differ from their everyday usage. Understanding context clues—like the mention of die stock and threading issues—will help you identify the correct trade meaning.
- Based on the passage, what does circuit breaker mean?
In a warehouse panel, a motor circuit keeps shutting off. The electrician checks the circuit breaker, a protective switch that automatically opens when too much current flows. He resets it, then measures the current draw while the motor starts. When the current spikes again, the circuit breaker trips to stop overheating and reduce fire risk.
Answer: A protective switch that opens during overcurrent
This question tests the ability to interpret the meaning of vocabulary within a contextual passage, a key reading comprehension skill for adult learners. Understanding vocabulary in context involves using surrounding text to infer the precise meaning of terms, especially technical or industry-specific language. In this passage, the term circuit breaker is used within a scenario describing troubleshooting a motor circuit in a warehouse panel that keeps shutting off. Choice B is correct because it accurately captures the contextual meaning of circuit breaker, as demonstrated by the surrounding text which indicates it is a protective switch that opens during overcurrent to prevent overheating. Choice A is incorrect because it reflects a common misunderstanding where students might assume circuit breaker is a wire connector, confusing it with splices or terminals. To help students master this skill, encourage them to identify context clues such as definitions, examples, and restatements. Practice with technical vocabulary in realistic scenarios to build familiarity and confidence.
- Here, to "press" something into service most nearly means:
Answer: utilize it for a purpose it had not originally been assigned
This question tests your ability to recognize idiomatic expressions in technical contexts. When you encounter phrases with quotation marks like "press" into service, you're dealing with figurative language rather than literal meanings.
The passage describes a technician finding an unused "spare" contact on a schematic and deciding to use it for a pump alarm - essentially repurposing something that wasn't originally intended for that specific function. The phrase "press into service" is an idiom meaning to put something to use, especially when you need it urgently or when it wasn't originally designated for that purpose.
Answer B correctly captures this meaning: "utilize it for a purpose it had not originally been assigned." The spare contact existed but wasn't being used; now it's being repurposed for the pump alarm.
Answer A misinterprets "press" literally as applying physical force, ignoring the idiomatic context. Answer C also takes "press" literally, relating it to metalworking processes like stamping, which has nothing to do with electrical contacts or putting equipment into service. Answer D confuses this with "pressing" someone to accept something, which involves persuasion rather than utilizing equipment.
When you see quotation marks around common words in technical passages, consider whether the word is being used figuratively rather than literally. The IBEW exam often includes these idiomatic expressions because electrical work involves both technical precision and practical problem-solving communication. Always read the full context to determine whether familiar words are being used in their standard technical sense or as part of an expression.
