DelDOT's Cultural Resources -
Archaeology/Historic Preservation
Cultural Resources 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 References Early Stage Biface Discard - A biface that was used in an early stage of manufacture and then discarded before being more finely finished. Early Stage Biface Reject - A biface that never passed beyond the initial steps of stone tool production due to either flaws in the raw material or manufacturing error. Earthenware - Kind of ceramic (pottery) fired at a rather low temperature, softer than stoneware or porcelain. Earthenware is usually divided into "coarse earthenwares," rougher types used to make pots and crocks for kitchen or dairy use, and "refined earthenwares," which were made for display on the table. Eaves - The edge of a roof that projects over an outside wall. Eclectic - Architecture that is based on, or imitative of, many styles selected by personal preferences. Ecofacts - The non-artifactual remains (floral or faunal) found in archaeological sites such as seeds, bones, plant pollen, fish scales, charred nuthulls, and related items. Ecotone - An ecological community of mixed vegetation formed by the overlapping of adjoining communities. EDA (Economic Development Administration) - A federal regulatory agency developed in 1965 in accordance within the U.S. Department of Commerce pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act to "generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States." The administration works in partnership with state and local governments, regional economic development districts, public and private nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes in order to achieve their goals. (http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Mission.xml) Edaphic Factors - Environmental factors due to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil. Edge Damage - Wear on stone tool edges as a result of use in cutting, scraping, and other activities. 2 Known by a variety of terms including "microflaking" and "utilization damage," this refers to the scars created along the edge of a utilized tool; visible as tiny flakes removed from the utilized surface. Egalitarian - This adjective applies to the societies in which all individuals are roughly equal in social status and economic wealth. E-Horizon - Light-colored soil horizon usually underlying the A-horizon and characterized by less organic matter and/or lower amounts of iron and aluminum compounds than the underlying horizon. Ell - A wing of a building at right angles to the main structure. 2 An extension at right angles to the length of a building. Elliptical - An arch that is a half ellipse from a center on the spring line. Embossed - Having letters, numbers, or designs molded in relief. Embrasure - A recess for a window, door, etc., or a small opening in the wall. Empirical Data - Information obtained through reliance on experience or observation along, often without due regard for system or theory. Enamel - The hard substance that covers the dentin and forms the outer surface of a tooth crown. Enamel Hypoplasia - Lines of disrupted development in the enamel surface of teeth. Entablature - The top member of a classic order, being a continuous lintel supported on columns. It is divided horizontally into three main parts: the uppermost is the cornice, the middle one the frieze, and the lowest the architrave. Each has the moldings and decorative treatment that are characteristic of the particular order. Enthesophytes - Ossified projections or spurs at the points of ligamentous and tendinous attachment. Ephemeral Site - A site that was occupied for a very short period of time; transitory. Epidermis - Outer skin. Epiphysis - One of the ends of a long bone which is one of the secondary centers of ossification. Escutcheon - A hardware form, specifically a protective or ornamental shield such as around a keyhole; used in reference to doors, furniture, coffins, etc. Estuary - A semi-enclosed body of water where fresh and salt water mix due to the action of currents and tides. 2 The part of the wide lower course of a river where its current is met by the tides. Ethnobotany - The analysis and interpretation of plant lore and agricultural customs of a people. Eustatic Sea Level Rise - The worldwide rise in the level of the sea resulting from the influx of water caused by melting of the great glaciers since the close of the final Pleistocene (q.v.) Ice Age around 10,000 years ago. Expedient Tool - Stone tool lacking formal characteristics of consistent shape and outline form but with simply modified edges specific to a task. These tools are usually flakes that have been only slightly retouched along a single edge. Extant - Still in existence. Eyebrow Window - A small window, usually wider than high, placed close beneath the eaves to ventilate or illuminate an attic story. |
|
