Difference between revisions of "Handwavium"
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| − | + | [[Handwavium]] is a placeholder term for presumed but insufficiently described materials and machinery. | |
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| + | For example, descriptions of [[Jump Drive]] to [[TL-8]] and less developed civilizations often leave out critical details in the translation to their language, as said language lacks the terminology to describe certain vital parts, rendering technical treatises into (so far as they are concerned) science fiction. (It is usually possible to note that it takes a lot of power and a lot of hydrogen, but the specific descriptions of how these are used are often not nearly detailed enough that a technically competent member of the civilization could recreate one.) The missing components in such a story are a type of literary device known in Anglic as a "hand wave", and are thus sometimes termed "[[handwavium]]". | ||
== Description ([[Specifications]]) == | == Description ([[Specifications]]) == | ||
Revision as of 07:36, 3 May 2019
Handwavium is a placeholder term for presumed but insufficiently described materials and machinery.
For example, descriptions of Jump Drive to TL-8 and less developed civilizations often leave out critical details in the translation to their language, as said language lacks the terminology to describe certain vital parts, rendering technical treatises into (so far as they are concerned) science fiction. (It is usually possible to note that it takes a lot of power and a lot of hydrogen, but the specific descriptions of how these are used are often not nearly detailed enough that a technically competent member of the civilization could recreate one.) The missing components in such a story are a type of literary device known in Anglic as a "hand wave", and are thus sometimes termed "handwavium".
Description (Specifications)
No information yet available.
Image Repository
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History & Background (Dossier)
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References & Contributors (Sources)
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- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science