Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction

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First date Word Definition
1972 novum n. (1972) a scientific (rather than supernatural or fantastic) element in a work that demonstrates that the work takes place in a world different from our own, thus establishing that the work should be regarded as science fiction
1972 spacing n. 2 (1972) the act of executing a person by forcing them into space without a spacesuit; cf. space v. 2
1972 uptime adv. (1972) esp. in time-travel contexts: in, into, or toward the future; cf. downtime adv.
1972 uptime adj. (1972) esp. in time-travel contexts: in or from the future; cf. downtime adj.
1972 xenopsychology n. (1972) the psychology of alien races
1971 astroengineering n. (1971) large-scale structural engineering in space, esp. the modification of the physical structure or configuration of a planet, a star, or an entire solar system; cf. terraforming n.; (also) (broadly) any form of engineering in or related to space, such as the design or operation of the propulsion systems of spacecraft
1971 genre science fiction n. (1971) stories, novels, etc. that are explicity written or published as science fiction, as opposed to ones which contain science fictional elements but are written or published as mainstream fiction, or in another genre
1971 high fantasy n. (1971) a subgenre of fantasy set in an imaginary world, typically having a medieval-style society and level of technology, usually featuring a quest or a conflict between Good and Evil, and often written in an elevated style
1971 launching laser n. (1971) a high-powered laser used for the launching of spacecraft, either by vaporizing propellant at the rear of the craft, or by radiation pressure on a solar sail n.
1971 Orwellian n. (1971) an admirer of the works and ideas of George Orwell
1971 pew n. (1971) (used to represent the sound of a weapon, esp. a beam weapon)
1971 posthumanism n. (1971) the idea that humanity can be transformed, transcended, or eliminated either by technological advances or the evolutionary process; artistic, scientific, or philosophical practice which reflects this belief; cf. posthuman n.
1971 terraformation n. (1971) = terraforming n.
1970 alternative history n. (1970) = alternate history n.
1970 antispinward adv. (1970) in the opposite direction that something (as a space station or a galaxy) is rotating
1970 auton n. (1970) an autonomous robot or robotic device; (specif. in form Auton) in the British television series Doctor Who: one of a group of malevolent humanoid robots having plastic-like skin
1970 construct n. (1970) an intelligent entity that is not biological, as a sentient hologram or a digital intelligence; an artificially created or hybridized being
1970 holo n. (1970) a hologram; a device that displays holograms; holograms as a form of entertainment
1970 jack in v. (1970) to connect one's brain directly to a computer or cybernetic device by means of a cybernetically implanted data jack
1970 mind-control v. (1970) to use mind control on (a person); to control or influence (a person) telepathically
1970 shapeshift v. (1970) to change shape, by a natural capability, and adopt the form and sometimes abilities of an animal or other being
1970 smof n. (1970) a fan who is very active in fandom and in particular with organizing conventions
1970 supervillainess n. (1970) a woman who uses superpowers or superscience for malevolent purposes; a female supervillain n.
1969 biosuit n. (1969) any of various protective garments, as: a suit designed to protect the wearer from biological hazards; a protective suit made of biological materials; a relatively flexible and lightweight spacesuit
1969 bot n. (1969) a robot
1969 Clarke orbit n. (1969) geosynchronous orbit
1969 cold sleeper n. (1969) a person in cold sleep
1969 genetically engineered adj. (1969) produced by genetic engineering n.
1969 holoscreen n. (1969) a screen that displays a hologram
1969 NAFAL adj. (1969) of space travel: at relativistic speed; of a spaceship: capable of travelling at relativistic speed
1969 organlegging n. (1969) the illegal trading of human organs for transplant; cf. organlegger n.
1969 subjunctivity n. (1969) the relationship between reality and something portrayed in a text
1969 Tardis n. 2 (1969) (literally or figuratively) something with a larger capacity than its outward appearance suggests
1969 time lord n. (1969) in the British television series Doctor Who: one of a race of humanoid aliens from the planet Gallifrey who are able to control time-travel technology