TermDefinition
Design, materials and technology terminology
Additive manufacturing (AM)Technology that regroups all the manufacturing processes where three-dimensional objects are built by the deposition of material layer by layer
BiomimeticsApproach that mimics biological processes, models or pattern from nature to implement technical solutions
Subtractive manufacturing (SM)Conventional manufacturing process that removes unnecessary materials to create the desired geometry, involving turning, milling, drilling, grinding, cutting and boring processes
Formative manufacturing (FM)The conventional manufacturing process uses force, heat or pressure to mould materials into the desired shape. Examples of such processes include forging, casting, stamping, extrusion and injection moulding
Computer-aided design (CAD)Digitally process to assist in the creation, modification, analysis or optimisation of two-dimensional or three-dimensional models of physical objects
Computer numerical control (CNC)Automated control of machining tools to manage the movements and operations of machinery
Binder materialSubstance that holds or draws other materials together to form a cohesive whole mechanically and chemically by adhesion or cohesion
GeopolymersInorganic polymeric materials obtained by mixing a dry solid (aluminosilicate) with an alkaline solution. An environmental alternative to traditional Portland cement by recycling waste materials and reducing environmental impact associated with the production or traditional cement
Alkaline materialSubstances that have a pH level greater than 7, indicating that they are basic or alkaline in nature. The pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, values below 7 being acidic and values above 7 being alkaline
Fused filament fabrication (FFF)Additive manufacturing process that involves the layer-by-layer deposition of thermoplastic filament material to create three-dimensional object
Paste deposition modelling (PDM)Additive manufacturing process that involves viscous paste-like materials to create three-dimensional objects, also known as paste extrusion
Kinematic designIn the context of AM, involves the movement control of the mechanical equipment, such as print bed and extruders
Lattice structuresComplex three-dimensional framework composed of interconnected geometric patterns, characterised by repeating unit cells or modules
Polylactic acid (PLA)Biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources, usually corn starch of sugarcane
Pozzolan materialsGroup of materials, that when combined with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water, react chemically to form cementitious hydration products
Biological aspects terminology
BiomassOrganic materials derived from living organisms, plants or animals, and their byproducts
Geogenic reefReef structure substrate derived from rocky stone
Biogenic reefReef structure substrate derived from carbonate deposition of habitat-forming organisms such as trees, oysters, wetland grasses and corals
Scleractinia coralsCommonly known as stony or hard coral, it plays a crucial role in the formation of reef habitats
Bleaching eventPhenomenon that occurs when coral polyps expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues. The expulsion of these algae results in coral death turning white, most known as bleaching event
Benthic communitiesGroup of marine organisms that inhabit on the bottom sediments of aquatic habitats
Sessile communitiesMarine organisms that are attached to a substrate and do not have the ability to move around independently
BiotaAll living organisms from a specific region or habitat
BathymetryMethod of measurement and mapping underwater depths and the topography of the ocean floor
Anthropogenic factsPhenomenon, substance or effect that arises from human activities, such as pollution, climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, invasive species, etc.
Sources: Figure courtesy of Lange et al. (2020) and Reef Design Lab (2018) 

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