Key terms & definitions

The angle used as the input of a trigonometric function; in this topic it is measured in degrees.

An interpretation developed across an answer and supported by evidence and analysis.

A position supported by connected reasons and relevant evidence, intended to convince an audience.

A value supplied to a subroutine when it is called; technically distinguished from the parameter variable that receives it.

A claim supported by reasons and evidence.

The argument that events which cannot be explained by natural causes require a supernatural cause, identified as God, and therefore provide evidence that God exists.

An enlightened person who has overcome craving and ignorance and attained liberation; an important ideal in Theravada Buddhism.

Very dry conditions with little precipitation, typically less than 250 mm per year.

An environment with a normally dry climate, usually receiving less than 250 mm of rainfall each year.

A warrior’s period of outstanding battlefield achievement, such as Diomedes’ sequence of victories in Iliad Book 5.

The wealthy and powerful upper ranks of society, whose influence usually depended on landholding, family connections and service to a ruler.

The highest hereditary social ranks, associated with noble titles and ancestry. Lady Catherine is the daughter of an earl.

A privileged part of the upper class holding hereditary titles, such as duke or earl, passed down through families; its members are often wealthy landowners.

An Athenian playwright whose comedies mocked political leaders, public behaviour and cultural life.

The CPU component that performs arithmetic operations, such as addition, and logical operations, such as comparisons.

The CPU component that performs arithmetic calculations and logical operations, such as comparing values.

The total of the values divided by the number of values.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values.

The sum of all values divided by the number of values.

The sum of all numerical data values divided by the number of values.

An average calculated by adding all the values and dividing by the number of values.

A symbol or keyword that tells a program to perform a numerical calculation, such as addition or division.

A sequence in which the difference between consecutive terms is constant.

A sequence in which the difference between each term and the next is constant.

A shift used with signed binary integers. A right arithmetic shift copies the original sign bit into vacated left-hand positions; a left arithmetic shift moves bits left and inserts zeros on the right.

The sacred cupboard or recess in a synagogue where Torah scrolls are kept; also called the Aron Hakodesh.

A fleet of armed ships. The Spanish Armada was the fleet sent by Philip II against England in 1588.

Weapons, ammunition and military equipment produced for armed forces.

An agreement between opposing forces to stop fighting. It does not necessarily provide a permanent political settlement or peace treaty.

Protective metal plates fitted to a warship to resist damage from enemy weapons.