KILO
One thousand; a prefix (kilometer – 1000 meters; kilogram – 1000 grams).
KILOGRAM
1000 grams (2.204 pounds).
KILOMETER
1000 meters. See also: Meter (1).
KILOVOLT
1000 volts.
KILOWATT
1000 watts.
KILOWATT HOURS
1000 watt-hours.
KIN
Those related by blood.
KIOSK
An open pavilion such as a bandstand or newsstand. Used to describe the structures in the open areas of malls that sell specialty items.
KIP
1000 pounds. Formed by combining the words kilo and pound.
KITE WINDER
The steps at the curvature of a circular stairway, which are triangular, or kite-shaped.
KNOCK DOWN
Any parts of a building which can be easily assembled, installed, or removed, such as certain types of window frames, partitions, etc.
KNOLL
A small rounded hill.
KNOT
(1) The hard, irregular shaped defects in boards, caused by cutting at the point where the branch of the tree meets the trunk. (2) A measure of speed, equal to one nautical mile (approximately 6,076 ft.) per hour.
L.S.
An abbreviation for “Locus sigilli”, the place of the seal. At one time, individuals had seals, and documents were invalid unless the seal was affixed. Modernly, signatures are notarized and only corporations, in certain circumstances, must affix a seal.
LABOR
(1) Work as opposed to materials. (2) A land measure of 177 1/7 acres. Used in Mexico.
LACHES
An unreasonable delay by a party making a claim or bringing an action, so that the rights of said party are waived. Laches are not controlled by a statute of limitations.
LAISSEZ-FAIRE
Leave alone, let proceed. French expression made popular by Adam Smith, and used to describe a theory that free trade promotes a better business climate than government controls.
LALLY COLUMNS
Load-bearing steel columns, which are filled with concrete (lally).
LAMINATE
The word means both to split into thin layers and to combine thin layers, as well as to cover with a thin layer.
LAMINATED WOOD
Wood such as plywood, which is constructed in sheets, or veneered wood, such as cheaper softwood, covered with a layer of more expensive hardwood, and glued together.
LAND
A general term which includes the ground and those things of a permanent nature such as trees, crops, oil and minerals in the ground, unless specifically excepted.
