Glossary

Category: A

  • Attributes

    A method of measurement whereby units of products are examined for the presence or absence of specified characteristics in each unit in the sample.  

  • Attribute data

    Data that comes from non-measurable characteristics which can be counted.  

  • Attribute chart

    A type of chart in which characteristics are considered acceptable or unacceptable, good or bad, go or no go.  

  • Attribute

    An inherent characteristic of a product classified as acceptable or unacceptable.  

  • Atomic weight

    The mass (weight) of an atom of an element-Carbon equals 12. The total mass of an atom, it is equal to the sum of the isotope’s number of protons and neutrons (in the atom’s nucleus). The atomic weights of the earth’s elements are based on the assignment of exactly 12.000 as the atomic weight of…

  • Atomic number

    The number of protons in a nucleus of an element ranging from 1 for hydrogen to 106. The number indicates the position of an element in the periodic table and determines its chemical properties and behavior. Number indicating the number of protons in the nucleus or the number of electrons in an uncharged atom. The…

  • Atmosphere

    A measure of pressure. The gases surrounding the earth. A quantification of pressure, where one atmosphere corresponds to the air pressure at sea level, equivalent to 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi). The atmosphere that envelops the Earth. A measure of force exerted by the Earth’s atmosphere, equivalent to 14.7 pounds per square inch.  

  • Aspic

    Aspic

    Term used to indicate the arrangement of food into a molded gel. In France in October, an unheated swimming pool would be said to be froid comme un aspic, that is, cold as an asp, an asp being a snake whose cold-blooded metabolism makes it seem cool to the touch. Traditionally, this snake’s name has…

  • Aseptic processing

    The filling of a commercially sterilized—cooled product into pre-sterilized containers, followed by aseptic hermetic sealing with a pre-sterilized closure in an atmosphere free of microorganisms.  

  • Aroma

    Generally pleasing odor or fragrance.