etymology - Why is home electricity supply called "mains"? - English ...
Jun 4, 2017 · The word "mains" seems to be a widely understood synonym for home electricity supply. Why is it called so? I always thought it was a corruption of main [electricity supply]. Is it an American …
When is "Mains" or "grid" no longer the correct electrical term?
Sep 8, 2015 · Mains means connected to the external utility network (electricity, gas, water, sewerage etc.). So in your example, a "mains" car would have to be connected to the wall permanently: the …
Is there a term for "mains power" in U.S. English?
Apr 12, 2011 · This insinuates that "mains" is not a U.S. term, and that the alternatives are all equally imprecise. Conclusion: Americans are likely to use "grid" as a synonym for "mains", which isn't …
Are both gasoline and mains gas called "gas" in the USA?
Dec 16, 2021 · So what if somebody is talking about their gas-stove while casually mentioning their car? I've called the gas company about these outrageous gas bills, oh, and Honey, will you please drive …
word choice - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Jan 10, 2015 · This length of pipe between the mains and the home is often called the supply line. In the US, the name for the connection between the mains and the supply line is known as the corporation …
transatlantic differences - What's a word for a small rural property ...
Mar 13, 2026 · If by any chance any of you are Portuguese speakers, I am looking for a word that would be an equivalent to the Brazilian Portuguese term chácara. In this kind of rural property, no cattle are …
What’s the difference between “to reduce ʙʏ one-third” and “to re ...
Nov 22, 2020 · A sample of fluorine gas occupies a volume of 600 mL at 760 torr. Given that the temperature remains the same, calculate the pressure required to reduce its volume by one-third. I d...
history - Pronunciation of "Ozymandias" - English Language & Usage ...
Jun 26, 2016 · Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem Ozymandias is written in iambic pentameter and contains the famous lines 'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' …
Unusual words used to denote a specific length of time?
Sep 23, 2022 · I'm looking for unusual/uncommon words that refer to a period of time. Something like fortnight: (chiefly UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, dated in North America) A period …
"Electronic" vs. "electric" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Nov 27, 2010 · An electrician can't just hook it up to the power mains. At some point along the complexity spectrum a device ceases to be merely electric and becomes electronic. Note: I think this …