Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction

Order by: alphabetical | chronological



Word Definition
alternative future n. (1932) = alternate future n.
alternative history n. (1970) = alternate history n.
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 issue’s 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