GLOSSARY

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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BARGE BOARD

On a gable roof or dormer, the trim which finishes the sloped sides of the rafters or overhang.


BASE ALKALI

see _alkali_


BASEMENT

Usually the lowest story of a building, either partly or entirely below ground level.


BEARING

That portion of a beam, truss, or other structural member which rests on the supports.


BEARING WALL

A wall that supports a vertical load.


BIOAEROSOLS

Airborne particles that are living or originate from living organisms; i.e., culturable, non-culturable and dead


BIOCIDE

Any substance that is toxic or lethal to living organisms, such as a pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide.


BIODEGRADABLE

Capable of being broken down into innocuous (harmless) products (water, carbon dioxide) by the action of enzymes


BIODETRIORATION

The deterioration of valuable materials due to biological activity. The agents of deterioration (vectors) may be insects, rodents or higher animals and plants.


BIOFILM

A matrix of micro organisms, organic and inorganic materials that combine to create a layer or ?film? on a substrate.