Key terms & definitions

Behaviour that departs from a society's or group's norms; it is not necessarily illegal.

Software that allows an operating system to communicate with and control a hardware device.

The stages a digital device passes through, from extracting its raw materials and manufacturing it to use and eventual disposal.

The transfer of responsibility for specified decisions from central government to institutions in parts of the same country.

The transfer of decision-making powers from central government to regional or local authorities.

The transfer of powers and responsibilities to legislatures and governments within the UK, while the UK Parliament retains its authority.

A policy area in which a devolved legislature or government has authority to make decisions.

Respect and commitment expressed towards Buddhist teachings and ideals through religious practice.

An action undertaken to express religious commitment and deepen a person's relationship with God.

An object used to express religious devotion or support religious practice, such as a Buddha image or a string of mala beads.

An object used to express religious reverence and support practice, such as a Buddha image.

An activity expressing religious commitment and reverence, such as chanting in honour of the Buddha and his teachings.

A smaller carbohydrate molecule formed when starch is broken down by dry heat.

The breakdown of starch into smaller molecules called dextrins under dry heat, contributing to browning.

A form of corrosion in which brass loses zinc, leaving a porous, copper-rich material with reduced strength.

The Buddha’s teachings, which guide Buddhists towards understanding and enlightenment.

The discourse traditionally understood as the Buddha’s first sermon, whose title means ‘Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion’. It teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Buddha’s teachings; also the truth about existence that he realised and the path of practice based on that truth.

A Buddhist collection of verses containing teachings attributed to the Buddha.

Material service: giving money, possessions or other resources to help others.

Giving or generosity, often written as dana or dāna; a Buddhist practice that helps others and challenges attachment.

Service through wealth or material resources, such as donating money or food to support others.

The first stage of Sikh spiritual development: piety or righteousness, involving recognition of moral duties and responsibility for one's actions.

Righteous warfare in Sikhism: force used for a just, selfless purpose, as a last resort and with restraint.

Moral duty and righteous conduct; living responsibly and doing what is right.

Righteous war in Hindu thought, involving restrictions on conduct such as protecting non-combatants.

A righteous war fought to uphold dharma, rather than for selfish gain, after peaceful methods have been exhausted.

Remembrance of Allah, which can involve repeating his names or words of praise.

The twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, during which Hajj takes place.

A condition in which blood glucose remains too high because insulin is absent, insufficient or less effective.