Glossary W - Yenra

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NetworksWAN

Wide area network: connecting devices or local networks across a wider geographical area. Links and services can have different providers, capacities and operational responsibilities.

Related coverage: LAN definition

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Rocks & EarthWatershed

An area of land whose surface runoff drains toward a specified common outlet, such as a stream junction, lake outlet or river mouth. Smaller watersheds can lie within larger ones. Identify the outlet and boundary when comparing river observations, because upstream land and tributaries contribute to conditions downstream.

Guide: Yangtze River: From Drainage Basin to Sediment Plume

Reference: USGS: watersheds and drainage basins

Compare: Relative sea level, Spatial resolution (imagery)

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Energy & environmentWatt

The SI unit of power, equal to one joule per second, with the symbol W. It describes how quickly energy is transferred or used. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. An appliance’s watt rating and its operating time together help estimate energy use; cycling controls and operating conditions affect the actual total.

Guide: How Fast Should a Kettle Boil? Comparing Time and Water Volume

Reference: NIST: watt as a unit of power

Compare: Kilowatt-hour, Induction heating

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PhotographyWhite balance

An adjustment that accounts for the color of the illumination so neutral subjects can appear neutral, or gives an image an intentional warmer or cooler rendering. Cameras offer automatic, preset and custom controls. Mixed lighting can require a compromise because one setting may not suit every part of the scene.

Guide: Better Phone Photography: Override Auto Exposure on iPhone and Android

Reference: Nikon: setting white balance

Compare: Color space, RAW image file, Calibration (color)

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Health & careWhite blood cells

Cells of the immune system that help defend the body against infection and other threats. Major groups include granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes; laboratory counts are interpreted in their clinical context.

Reference: National Cancer Institute: white blood cell

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NetworksWi-Fi

Wireless local networking based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, commonly connecting devices to an access point. The Wi-Fi link and the network’s onward internet connection are separate parts of the route. A strong Wi-Fi signal can coexist with a slow or unavailable internet service.

Guide: Indoor 5G: Diagnose Weak Coverage and Improve Your Connection

Reference: IEEE: wireless LAN standards

Compare: LAN, Ethernet, Router

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NetworksWi-Fi Direct

A Wi-Fi connection method that lets compatible devices communicate directly without a separate wireless access point or router. A supported printer can use it to receive a print job from a phone or computer. Follow the specific devices’ setup instructions and check how the connection affects any separate internet access.

Guide: Bluetooth Printer Adapters: What Works and What to Use Instead

Reference: Epson: direct device connections without a wireless router

Compare: Wi-Fi, SSID

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NetworksWiMAX

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, an ecosystem associated with IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband systems. Equipment and service compatibility depend on the profile, frequency band and implementation.

Related coverage: WiMAX Explained: Standards, Networks, and Broadband Choices

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Science & measurementWind shear

A change in wind speed or direction over a distance, horizontally or vertically. It describes a wind gradient; a microburst is a particular downdraft phenomenon that can produce hazardous wind shear.

Reference: National Weather Service: wind shear

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