init definition

<computer games> /in-it'gaym/ [IRC] An IRC version of the venerable trivia game "20 questions", in which one user changes his nick to the initials of a famous person or other named entity, and the others on the channel ask yes or no questions, with the one to guess the person getting to be "it" next. As a courtesy, the one picking the initials starts by providing a 4-letter hint of the form sex, nationality, life-status, reality-status. For example, MAAR means "Male, American, Alive, Real" (as opposed to "fictional"). Initgame can be surprisingly addictive.

See also: hing.

(01 Jul 2002)

Pertaining to the very first stage of any process.

Origin: L. Initialis, from initium = beginning

(11 Mar 2008)

Actively dividing plant cell in a meristem. at each division one daughter cell remains in the meristem as a new initial cell and the other is added to the growing plant body. Animal equivalent is a stem cell (potentially confusing terminology in plants).

(11 Mar 2008)

The first stage in classifying and assigning meaning to pieces of information for data analysis. Numerous codes are generated while reading through responses without concern for the variety of categories.

(14 Jan 2009)

The first meeting of opposing teeth upon elevation of the mandible toward the maxillae, the initial occlusal contact of opposing teeth when the jaw is closed.

(05 Mar 2000)

A comparatively large dose given at the beginning of treatment to get the patient under the influence of the drug.

Synonyms: loading dose.

(05 Mar 2000)

The presence of blood only in the first fraction of voided urine, usually indicating a urethral or prostatic source of bleeding.

American spelling: initial hematuria

(05 Mar 2000)

The first burst of heat produced after the beginning of a muscle twitch, described by A. V. Hill.

(05 Mar 2000)

<computer programming> To give a variable its first value. This may be done automatically by some languages or it may require explicit code by the programmer. Some languages allow initialisation to be combined with variable definition, e.g. in C:

int i = 0;

Failing to initialise a variable before using it is a common programming error, but one which compilers and automatic checkers like lint can easily detect.

(01 Mar 1997)

<operating system> (IML) Loading microcode into microcode memory.

Acronym: IML

(01 Mar 1997)

<testing> (IOT&E) The first phase of operational test and evaluation conducted on pre-protectional items, prototypes, or pilot production items and normally completed prior to the first major production decision. Conducted to provide a valid estimate of expected system operational effectiveness and suitability.

(01 Feb 1996)

<operating system> (IPL) The procedure used to (re-)start a computer system by copying the operating system kernel into main memory and running it. Part of the boot sequence.

(01 Mar 1997)

<operating system> (IPL) A bootstrap loader which loads the part of an operating system needed to load the remainder of the operating system.

(01 Mar 1997)

Preferred term: initial velocity

The rate of a reaction, e.g., an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, at the early stages of the reaction such that the product(s) concentrations have not risen to a level to significantly affect the observable rate; typically, initial velocities are observed when less than 10% of the reaction's approach toward equilibrium has occurred.

Synonyms: initial rate.

(05 Mar 2000)

The trinucleotide AUG (or sometimes GUG) that codes for the first amino acid in protein sequences, formylmethionine; the latter is often removed post-transcriptionally.

Synonyms: start codon.

(05 Mar 2000)

1. The first stage of tumour induction by a carcinogen; subtle alteration of cells by exposure to a carcinogenic agent so that they are likely to form a tumour upon subsequent exposure to a promoting agent (promotion).

2. Starting point of replication or translation in macromolecule biosynthesis.

3. Start of chemical or enzymatic reaction.

(05 Mar 2000)

The codon 5' AUG in mRNA, at which polypeptide synthesis is started. It is recognised by formylmethionyl tRNA in bacteria and by methionyl tRNA in eukaryotes.

This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology

(11 Mar 2008)

Complex between mRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit and formyl methionyl tRNA that requires GTP and initiation factors to function.

This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology

(11 Mar 2008)

One of several soluble proteins involved in the initiation of protein or RNA synthesis.

(05 Mar 2000)

The set of catalytic proteins required, in addition to mRNA and ribosomes, for protein synthesis to begin. In bacteria three distinct proteins have been identified: if 1 (8 kD), IF 2 (75 kD) and IF 3 (30 kD). at least 6-8 proteins have been identified in eukaryotes. IFs 1 and 2 enhance the binding of initiator tRNA to the initiation complex.

This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology

(11 Mar 2008)

The opening of a lesson or lecture or seminar, where the teacher starts the process of learning or discussion.

(14 Jan 2009)

TRNA in prokaryotes containing a formyl-methionyl residue that initiates translation.

Synonyms: formyl-methionyl-tRNA, starter tRNA.

(05 Mar 2000)

Preferred term: SCSI initiator

1. Inflammation of fibrous tissue.

Synonyms: myositis.

Origin: G. Is (in-), fibre, + -itis, inflammation

(05 Mar 2000)