Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction
Order by: alphabetical | chronological
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| alternative reality n. (1941) | = alternate world n. |
| alternative universe n. (1944) | = alternate world n. |
| alternative world n. (1943) | = alternate world n. |
| android n. (1936) | a robot or other artificial being made to resemble a human, esp. one made of synthetic flesh or a fleshlike material (in contrast to metal, plastic, etc.) |
| Anglic n. (1950) | a future language descended from Modern English |
| Anglofan n. (1941) | a science fiction fan who is a native or resident of the United Kingdom |
| anime n. (1985) | a Japanese animated film or television programme, drawn in a meticulously detailed style, usually featuring characters with distinctive large, staring eyes, and typically having a science-fiction or fantasy theme, sometimes including violent or sexually explicit material; this genre of entertainment |
| annish n. (1938) | the issue of a fanzine published on the anniversary of the first issueβs publication |
| ansible n. (1966) | an instantaneous communication device, not limited by the speed of light; cf. earlier ultraphone n. |
| anti-agathic n. (1954) | a drug or other medical treatment that prolongs life |
| anti-agathic adj. (1954) | (of a drug, medical treatment, etc.) that prolongs life |
| antigrav n. (1941) | = antigravity n.; (also) a device that negates the force of gravity |
| anti-gravitation n. (1878) | a hypothetical force opposed to gravity |
| anti-gravitational adj. (1900) | acting against gravity |
| antigravity n. (1906) | a hypothetical force opposed to that of gravity |
| antigravity adj. (1896) | of or relating to something that negates or cancels the effect of gravity |
| antimatter n. (1934) | matter composed of antiparticles |
| ant-man n. (1901) | an alien being that resembles an ant in humanoid form |
| anywhen adv. (1941) | (in relation to time travel) in or to any point in time |
| apa n. (1938) | an organization of (often science fiction) fans that publishes a periodical containing works by most or all of the members |
| apazine n. (1953) | a contribution to an apa n. |
| areographer n. (1880) | one who maps or studies the planet Mars |
| areography n. (1868) | the study or mapping of the planet Mars |
| areologic adj. (1993) | = areological adj. |
| areological adj. (1932) | of, pertaining to, or derived from areology n.; such as is described, investigated, or ascertained by areology |
| areologist n. (1976) | a scientist specializing in areology n. |
| areology n. (1877) | the study of the geology of the planet Mars |
| armorplast n. (1964) | a strong protective material likened to plastic (as being light, flexible, or transparent) |
| artificial gravity n. (1927) | any technological effect that simulates gravity, esp. in a spaceship |
| artificial intelligence n. (1973) | a computer program or system capable of reasoning in a manner regarded as equivalent to a human being; a sentient computer |
| Asimovian adj. 1 (1942) | of, relating to, or characteristic of the writing of Isaac Asimov |
| Asimovian adj. 2 (1990) | (of a robot or AI) governed by the Laws of Robotics |