Key terms & definitions

Obtaining private information by observing it over someone's shoulder, such as watching them enter a cashpoint PIN. Also called shoulder surfing.

The ability of a fabric to repel light exposure to moisture, rather than provide full protection against water penetration.

A public trial with a predetermined outcome, used to portray the accused as guilty and justify the regime’s actions.

A public trial staged to demonstrate an accused person’s supposed guilt and strengthen the ruling authority, rather than establish the truth fairly.

Rites honouring deceased ancestors, including offerings and charitable acts believed to help them on their spiritual journey.

Small metal pieces or balls scattered by exploding shells, which could penetrate the body and cause serious wounds.

A hostile stereotype of a woman considered quarrelsome or excessively outspoken, used to discourage women from challenging expected behaviour.

A place set aside for worship, often containing a murti or picture of a deity. A shrine may be in a home, temple or outdoor setting.

A room containing a shrine, used for activities such as meditation and devotion.

A covering for a body, especially a cloth used to wrap a dead person before burial; the word also suggests concealment.

A cloth used to wrap or cover a dead person's body before burial.

Hindu scripture whose name means ‘that which is heard’, regarded as revealed rather than merely human in origin. The Vedas are shruti; some traditions also recognise the Agamas as shruti.

A Jewish partnership ceremony offered by some communities to same-sex couples, distinct from traditional kiddushin.

Negotiation in which a mediator travels between opposing governments to develop agreements, rather than relying on their leaders meeting directly.

The International System of Units: the internationally agreed system of measurement used in science.

The internationally agreed system of measurement units, including the metre (m), kilogram (kg) and second (s).

The International System of Units, which provides standard units for measurement, including the metre for length.

One of the seven fundamental units on which the SI is built, such as the metre, kilogram or second.

One of the seven units from which other SI units can be formed, such as the second or kilogram.

The repetition of sibilant sounds, especially ‘s’ and ‘sh’, in nearby words.

A collection of sacred writings attributed to a Sibyl, consulted by authorised Roman officials on the Senate’s orders during religious crises.

A harvesting tool with a curved blade and a short handle, used to cut ripe crops.

The founder of Buddhism, who left a sheltered life of luxury to seek an answer to suffering and became the Buddha.

A Jewish prayer book containing the prayers and their order for daily worship and other occasions.

An unwanted effect of a treatment in addition to its intended effect.

An unintended effect of a medicine, which may be harmful or unpleasant.

An unwanted effect of a medicine in addition to its intended therapeutic effect.

An elevation obtained by looking directly at the object from a specified side.

An atom or group attached to the polymer backbone rather than forming part of the continuous backbone itself.

A reaction other than the expected reaction that uses some reactant and forms different products.