English for Engineers: Vocabulary for Dimensions

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English is quickly becoming the language of engineering, which is why CISL now offers the English for Engineers program. With this program, Upper Intermediate and Advanced students learn the skills necessary to help them succeed in an English speaking Engineering environment. Among other things, students learn:

  • Language related to engineering (such as design, procedures, and processes)
  • How to express problems, solutions, and communication related to capabilities, limitations, problems, solutions, regulations, standards, etc.
  • Practice working with written instructions, drawings, and notices
  • Grammar, vocabulary, and writing and speaking skills focused on discussing quality, repairs, maintenance, technical requirements, regulations, standards, suitability and relative performance

Finally, students learn vocabulary about engineering and technology, such as dimensions, precision, and causes and effects. The CISL Blog has already looked at Five must-know English Adjectives for Engineers. Today we are taking a look at some college Engineering vocabulary regarding the dimensions of an object. Do you know all of these words?

Engineering Vocabulary: Dimensions

Area

The measurement of a surface or piece of land.

Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-area-skateboard-parkinglot-city
Which is more difficult: calculating the area of a square parking lot . . . or skateboarding?

Breadth/width

The distance or measurement from side to side of something

Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-river-valley-nature
The width of the river changes during different parts of the year.

Circumference

The distance around something

Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-mathematics-circle-cone-cylinder-calculations
Which of these can you calculate the circumference of?

Depth

The distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something

Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-ocean-deep-depth
The depth of the ocean scares many people . . . but not surfers!

Diameter

A straight line passing from side to side through the centre of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere.

Flat

Having a level surface; without raised areas or indentation

Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-flat-tree-nature
This flat land is perfect for playing sports, running, or biking.

Height

The measurement of someone or something from head to foot or from base to top.
Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-height-skyscraper-city
It’s amazing to think of the height of these large skyscrapers.

Length

The measurement or extent of something from end to end; the greater of two or the greatest of three dimensions of an object.

ruler-Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-ruler-length

Radius

A straight line from the centre to the circumference of a circle or sphere.
Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-radius-mathematics
Remember high school math?

Thickness

The distance through an object, as distinct from width or height.
Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-book
Have you ever read a really thick book?

Volume

The amount of space that a substance or object occupies, or that is enclosed within a container.
Engineering-vocabulary-dimensions-sea-ship-sail-water-sunset-clouds
Is it possible to calculate the volume of the ocean?

For more information on CISL’s English for Engineers (and to learn more about the Career English program, where you can spend time in an American Engineering firm!) contact CISL.