Terminology


 * return to: Main Page

This is a list of so-called "fumonyms" (steam punk terminology). Standard British English is used as much as possible throughout 'Ether Trek' to create a greater sense of authenticity.

Analytical Engine: a computing machine that utilises punch cards and is designed for general purpose calculations of all kind.

Communication: although ether has an extraordinarily low density, it still over long distances it weakens signal strengths. This means relay beacons are needed and can often be intercepted.

Difference Engines: a specialised calculation machine that can manipulate logarithms and trigonometric calculations but can not input other functions.

1 ether mile (em): is defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Moon which is 238,857 miles. For example: Distance between Venus and Earth varies from 98em to 687em. While the distance between Mars and Earth is between 145em and 1043em, depending on the perihelion and aphelion.

Ether Screw: turbines that are shaped to propel ether backward, the "ether jet" forces ether through its intakes and out the back for greater speed, akin to a jet engine. Ether can also be held within chambers and compressed and subsequently released for short bursts of speed.

Luminiferous aether: short form "ether", is the medium through which light passes from the Sun to Earth before entering the atmosphere. It takes its meaning from the Greek of aether which means "upper sky". Ether is a fictional physical substance that fills the space between the stars and planets. In short: there is no empty space or vacuum as we know it, instead space craft can use propulsion similar to turbines or oars to push themselves forward rather than through ejecting mass through rockets for propulsion. Disturbances, or turbulence occurs in this medium too.

Pneumatic tubes: are pressurised tubes that allow the passage of cylindrical containers to pass through at approximately 10 meters per second. It is used internally within large buildings and on a small scale between buildings in cities for postage. On the HMES Endeavor pneumatic tubes are used to relay punch cards from the command bridge to the other parts of the ship for communication as well as data transfers.

Spacial coordinates: through using the X, Y and Z vectors a directional and spacial position is determined relative to a previously held so-called "positioning point". By using the term "positioning point" an intentionally vague reference value is used in the story telling in order to avoid needing complex calculations that would require determining the actual location within space. Positioning points are analogous in function to beacons or lighthouses.

Telectroscope: term used in 19th century to refer to the then concept of an imagery system of distant viewing, akin to broadcasting television.

External link to terminology: http://web.archive.org/web/20040812121745/http://www.gamerjargon.com/gamer3_fumonyms.html