Key terms & definitions

A yarn inserted across the width of a loom, interlacing with the warp yarns.

A fabric constructed from interlocking loops of yarn formed in rows across its width.

A fabric construction in which yarn forms interlocking loops in rows across the width of the fabric. It can be produced by hand or machine.

The force on a mass due to gravity, measured in newtons.

The force acting on an object due to gravity.

A number determining how strongly a value contributes to a calculation, such as the number of items bought.

How heavy a material or finished product is; lightweight materials can reduce handling and transport burdens.

Supporting the body's weight or a load placed on the body.

Exercise in which the feet and legs support the body's weight, such as walking or running.

An index that combines values using weights to reflect their relative importance.

An average in which values present in greater proportions contribute more strongly to the result.

An average in which each value contributes according to how common it is.

A mean in which values contribute according to their weights, such as the numbers of people represented by group means.

Training in which muscles work against weights, with the exercise and load chosen to develop strength, power or muscular endurance.

Germany’s democratic system of government between 1919 and 1933.

Connected with fate or destiny: this older meaning gives the name Weird Sisters significance beyond simply describing the witches as strange.

Joining metal parts by melting and fusing their surfaces, with or without added filler metal.

Support intended to meet people’s needs and improve their wellbeing, such as poverty relief, housing assistance or advice about tenants’ rights.

Benefits and support intended to protect people's living standards, including support for unemployment, disability and low incomes.

Payments intended to support people’s welfare, for example when their income is low or they face unemployment, disability or old age.

Reliance on state benefits for income. Murray argued that welfare could encourage continuing reliance by weakening incentives to earn a living.

Government measures intended to protect people against difficulties such as sickness, unemployment and poverty in old age.

Changes to the organisation, funding or rules of welfare provision, including benefit levels and eligibility.

Changes intended to improve people’s health and living conditions, involving greater responsibility for their welfare.

A derogatory label implying that someone receives welfare support while avoiding work or responsibility.

A negative label portraying a benefit recipient as undeserving. A benefit cheat receives benefits fraudulently; receiving benefits alone does not establish wrongdoing.

A system in which the government provides services and financial support to protect people against problems such as illness, unemployment and poverty.

A system in which the government takes responsibility for citizens’ welfare through provision such as healthcare, benefits and social insurance.

A system in which the state takes responsibility for citizens’ health and welfare through services and financial support, such as the NHS and benefits system.

A system in which government helps protect people against hardship arising from poverty, unemployment, illness, disability or old age.