Key terms & definitions

A layer outside the cell membrane that strengthens a cell; in plant and algal cells it is made of cellulose.

A temperature scale on which the freezing point of water is approximately 0 °C and the boiling point is approximately 100 °C at standard atmospheric pressure.

The principal Roman meal; an invitation to a cena could turn it into a social occasion with several courses and entertainment.

Petronius’ fictional dinner-party episode, also known as ‘Dinner with Trimalchio’, within the Satyricon.

A commemorative funerary monument that does not contain the remains of the person commemorated.

A Roman magistrate responsible for reviewing the Senate’s membership, including removing members for dishonourable conduct.

The examination and restriction of material by authorities before it can be communicated to the public.

The suppression of speech, writing or other expression by those in authority.

Controlling or limiting what people can see, read, hear or say, often because material is considered obscene, offensive or a threat to security.

The control or suppression of information and ideas, often through government control of communication.

The suppression or restriction of information and expression, including news reports and online posts.

The suppression, removal or restriction of content by an authority or organisation.

A formal expression of disapproval by an organisation. The US Senate censured Joseph McCarthy in December 1954.

A registration and assessment of citizens and their property, used under Servius Tullius to allocate military and financial duties.

An official survey of the population that provides information about people and households, such as age, employment and housing.

The collection of data from every member of a population.

An official registration of citizens, their families and their property, used to establish their position within Roman society.

An official survey of the population that gathers information about people and households.

An official survey of the population, collecting information about people and households. The religion question in the England and Wales census is voluntary.

An investigation that collects data about every member of a population.

A questionnaire survey intended to collect information about the whole population rather than a sample, normally conducted every ten years in the UK.

An official count of the population that also collects information about its characteristics.

A record from an official population count, containing information about people and households, including occupations.

A mythical creature combining a human upper body with a horse’s body.

A mythical battle between the Lapiths and centaurs, frequently interpreted in Greek art as a struggle between order and disorder.

The angle at the centre of a circle between the two radii that bound an arc or sector.

The main concentration of commercial and financial activity in a city, often abbreviated to CBD.

The main commercial and business centre of a city, containing activities such as offices, banking and retail.

The concentration of authority in the king’s hands rather than allowing regional nobles to exercise power independently.

Keeping decision-making authority mainly with senior management at the centre of a business.