This document provides a list of words and their definitions related to 3D printing and manufacturing processes. It includes over 100 terms, their part of speech, phonetic spelling, definitions, and example sentences. Some of the key words defined are 3D printing, laser, nozzle, polymer, plastic, powder, printer, and product. The document serves as a reference for understanding vocabulary related to additive manufacturing and materials processing.

1. © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014 1
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level 2 WORD LIST
UNIT ELEVEN
Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
3D printing noun [noncount] /ˌθriːdiː ˈprɪntɪŋ/ a method of creating a three-
dimensional object from a
digital file by using a device
that adds layers of material
one after another
The term “3D printing” didn’t
appear until the mid-90s.
add verb /æd/ to put something with another
thing or group of things
I’ll add you to my contacts list.
anymore adverb /ˌeniˈmɔr/ used when talking or asking
about a situation that has
ended, or about something that
someone has stopped doing
I don’t go to school anymore.
app noun [count] /æp/ a piece of software that is
designed to do a particular
job, especially one that people
use on a smartphone
I’ve installed a new app on my
phone.
astronaut noun [count] /ˈæstrəˌnɔt/ someone who travels and
works in space
I saw an astronaut’s suit at the
science museum.
back up phrasal verb /ˈbæk ʌp/ to make a copy of information
on your computer
Have you backed up your files
lately?
ball noun [count] /bɔl/ a round, or almost round,
object or shape
Polymer is made into very
small balls.
break down phrasal verb /ˌbreɪk ˈdaʊn/ when a substance separates
into the parts that it is made
up of
The shape is then broken down
into layers.
building noun [count] /ˈbɪldɪŋ/ a structure made of a strong
material such as stone or wood
that has a roof and walls, for
example, a house
There are lots of very old
buildings in Florence.
button noun [count] /ˈbʌt(ə)n/ a small object that you press to
make a machine start working
or perform a particular action
Press the left-hand button on
your mouse.
by hand phrase /ˌbaɪ ˈhænd/ using your hands rather than a
machine
This jewelry was made by
hand.
calculator noun [count] /ˈkælkjəˌleɪtər/ a small piece of electronic
equipment used for doing
calculations
I always use a calculator when
figuring out my bank balance!
ceramic adjective /səˈræmɪk/ made from clay, baked at a
very high temperature so that
it becomes hard
We use ceramic bowls for
soup.
click on verb /ˈklɪk ˌɑn/ to make a computer do
something by pressing a
button on the mouse
Click on that icon to open the
file.
code noun [count] /koʊd/ a set of numbers that allows
you to open a lock or door, or
turn off an alarm
Your password has to be a
secret code; don’t tell anyone
else what it is.
contact noun [count] /ˈkɑnˌtækt/ someone you know who can
help you, for example, by
finding work for you or giving
you information
Can you show me how to add
a contact to my phone?

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
control verb /kənˈtroʊl/ to make a machine, system,
vehicle, etc. move or operate
in the way that you want it to
The hole opens and closes to
control the flow of plastic.
copy noun [count] /ˈkɑpi/ a document, computer file,
etc. that is exactly like the
original one
You can print out a copy of this
document.
cotton noun [noncount] /ˈkɑt(ə)n/ made from cotton cloth For my vacation at the beach,
I’m taking cotton clothes.
crazy adjective [informal] /ˈkreɪzi/ not at all sensible or practical Remember, even crazy ideas
might work!
create verb /kriˈeɪt/ to make something new or
original that did not exist
before
This design was created on a
computer.
cursor noun [count] /ˈkɜrsər/ a small, flashing line on a
computer screen that you
move to mark the point where
you are going to type or do
something
Put the cursor over the picture.
definition noun [count] /ˌdefəˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ a statement of what a word or
expression means
What’s the definition of this
word?
demonstrate verb /ˈdemənˌstreɪt/ to show someone how to do
something by doing it yourself
The idea was first
demonstrated in the mid-80s.
depend verb /dɪˈpend/ used when you cannot give
a definite answer, because
different things are possible in
different situations
The way it does that depends
on the type of printer.
details noun [noncount] /dɪˈteɪlz/ information that you provide
about yourself, for example,
your name and address
I’ll put your details in my
phone.
dimension noun [count] /daɪˈmenʃ(ə)n/ length, height, or width A printer usually makes a
hard copy on paper in two
dimensions.
document noun [count] /ˈdɑkjəmənt/ a computer file that you can
write in
Can you print out this
document, please?
endless adjective /ˈendləs/ seeming to have no end or
limit
The possibilities are endless.
ethylene noun [noncount] /ˈɛθɪlin/ a gas found in crude oil
which is used to manufacture
polythene
Ethylene is produced from oil.
existing adjective /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/ used for describing something
that exists now, especially
when it might change or be
replaced
A design is created from an
existing object.
extract verb /ɪkˈstrækt/ to remove a substance from
another substance
Oil is extracted from the
ground.
factory noun [count] /ˈfækt(ə)ri/ a building or group of
buildings where large
quantities of goods are
produced using machines
Many everyday objects are
made in a factory.
feature noun [count] /ˈfitʃər/ an important part or aspect of
something
What features does your
smartphone have?
file noun [count] /faɪl/ a set of information on a
computer
Don’t forget to back up your
files.
flow noun [count/
noncount]
/floʊ/ the continuous movement of a
liquid in one direction
The flow of water is controlled
by a valve.

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
gadget noun [count] /ˈɡædʒət/ a small piece of equipment
that uses new technology
What is your favorite gadget?
generate verb /ˈdʒenəˌreɪt/ to make a lot of people
express feelings or opinions
about something
Use these words to generate
some ideas.
glass noun [noncount] /ɡlæs/ a hard, clear substance used
for making objects such as
windows or bottles
This vase is made of glass.
graphic noun [count] /ˈɡræfɪk/ a picture produced by
computers
Click on this graphic with your
mouse.
ground noun [noncount] /ɡraʊnd/ the layer of soil and rock that
forms the Earth’s surface
Coal is taken out of the
ground.
hard copy noun [count] /ˈhɑrd ˌkɑpi/ a printed copy of information
on a computer
Printing allows you to make a
hard copy of a document.
heat verb /hit/ to make something hot Ethylene and propylene are
heated to make a polymer.
hole noun [count] /hoʊl/ a space in the surface of
something that goes partly, or
completely, through it
There is a hole at the top to
pour water in.
icing noun [noncount] /ˈaɪsɪŋ/ a substance used to cover
or fill cakes. Icing is made by
mixing sugar with water or
butter.
I’m putting the icing on the
cake.
icon noun [count] /ˈaɪˌkɑn/ a small picture on a computer
screen that you choose by
clicking with the mouse in
order to open a particular
program
Try clicking on that icon.
idea noun [count] /aɪˈdɪə/ a thought that you have about
how to do something or how
to deal with something
I want to hear what ideas you
have.
identify verb /aɪˈdentɪˌfaɪ/ to recognize someone and be
able to say who they are
Put in your username and
password to identify yourself.
install verb /ɪnˈstɔl/ to put a new program or piece
of software into a computer so
that you can use it
Can you help me install this
app?
instead adverb /ɪnˈsted/ used for saying that one
person, thing, or action
replaces another
Instead of going to the store,
you can buy your clothes
online.
keyboard noun [count] /ˈkiˌbɔrd/ a piece of computer
equipment with keys on it,
used for putting information
into a computer
Enter your password using the
keyboard.
laser noun [count] /ˈleɪzər/ a piece of equipment that
produces a powerful, narrow
line of light. It is used for
cutting hard substances,
directing the paths of missiles,
and in medical operations
A laser passes over the object
and creates a 3D picture of the
shape.
layer noun [count] /ˈleɪr/ an amount or sheet of a
substance that covers a surface,
or that lies between two things
or two other substances
The printer makes the object
one layer at a time.
left-hand adjective /ˈleft ˌhænd/ on the left side Click the left-hand button on
your mouse.

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
link noun [count] /lɪŋk/ a connection between one
file or section and another, for
example, on a website
Click on the link to get more
information.
log on phrasal verb /ˌlɔɡ ɑn/ to start using a computer
system, for example, by typing
a particular word
I can’t log on to this website.
machine noun [count] /məˈʃin/ a piece of equipment that
does a particular job by using
electricity, steam, gas, etc.
A printer is a machine.
manufactured verb /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərd/ to make goods in large
quantities in a factory
Plastic is a manufactured
material.
manufacturing noun [noncount] /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃərɪŋ/ the business of making goods
in large quantities in a factory
There are many manufacturing
companies in this area.
material noun [noncount] /məˈtɪriəl/ a substance, especially one
used for a particular purpose
What material is this made of?
metal noun [count/
noncount]
/ˈmet(ə)l/ a hard, usually shiny element
that exists naturally in the
ground or in rock, for example,
lead, gold, or iron. Metals are
usually good conductors of
heat and electricity, and are
used to make things such as
tools, machines, weapons, etc.
Cars are made of metal and
other materials.
modern adjective /ˈmɑdərn/ using the most recent
methods, ideas, designs, or
equipment
I want my new smartphone to
look modern.
mouse noun [count] /maʊs/ a small object that you move
in order to do things on a
computer screen
Click your mouse here.
natural adjective /ˈnætʃ(ə)rəl/ existing in nature and not
produced or caused by people
Cotton is a natural material.
nozzle noun [count] /ˈnɑz(ə)l/ a narrow part at the end of a
tube through which a liquid
flows
The hot plastic comes out of a
tiny nozzle.
nylon noun [noncount] /ˈnaɪˌlɑn/ a strong, artificial substance
that is used in making plastic
and cloth
Many clothes are made of
nylon.
object noun [count] /ˈɑbdʒəkt/ a thing that you can see and
touch that is not alive and is
usually solid
Many everyday objects are
made in a factory.
oil noun [noncount] /ɔɪl/ a thick, dark, smooth liquid
from under the ground, used
for making gasoline and other
fuels
Oil is processed at a refinery.
password noun [count] /ˈpæsˌwɜrd/ the numbers or letters that you
have to put into a computer
in order to be able to use the
system
I can’t remember my password.
pastry bag noun [noncount] /ˈpeɪstri ˌbæɡ/ a container made of paper or
plastic used to pipe thin lines
of cream, icing, etc. on food as
a decoration
Cooks ice a cake using a
pastry bag.
pellet noun [count] /ˈpelət/ a small, round piece of a
substance
The pellets are very small balls.
personal adjective /ˈpɜrsən(ə)l/ private and not known or
available to most people
I’ll put your personal details
into my phone.

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
perspective noun [count] /pərˈspektɪv/ a way of thinking about
something
Look at the problem from
different perspectives.
plastic noun [count/
noncount]
/ˈplæstɪk/ a very common light, strong
substance produced by a
chemical process and used for
making many different things
Many food containers are
made of plastic.
polymer noun [count] /ˈpɑlɪmər/ a natural or artificially
produced chemical substance
consisting of large molecules
made of many groups of
smaller ones
The chemical process makes a
polymer.
possibilities noun [noncount] /ˌpɑsəˈbɪlətiz/ opportunities to develop in
a successful, interesting, or
exciting way
There are many possibilities.
powder noun [count/
noncount]
/ˈpaʊdər/ a soft, dry substance that looks
like dust or sand
3D printers use plastic, glass,
or metal powder.
print out phrasal verb /ˌprɪnt ˈaʊt/ to produce a copy of a
computer document from a
printer
I need to print out my essay.
printer noun [count] /ˈprɪntər/ a piece of equipment used for
printing documents that you
have created on a computer
My printer is broken and I can’t
print out my essay.
process noun [count] /ˈprɑses/ a series of actions used to
make a product or to treat it
with chemicals
The oil is processed at a
refinery.
produce verb /prəˈdus/ used about people or things
that develop in a place or as a
result of a process or system
Ethylene and propylene are
produced.
product noun [count/
noncount]
/ˈprɑdəkt/ something that is made,
grown, or obtained in large
quantities so that it can be sold
Plastic products are made from
the pellets.
propylene noun [noncount] /ˈprəʊpɪliːn/ a flammable gas The ethylene and propylene
are heated with another
chemical.
random adjective /ˈrændəm/ chosen or happening without
any particular method, pattern,
or purpose
One creative way of generating
ideas is to use random words.
realize verb /ˈriəˌlaɪz/ to know and understand
something
Many people don’t realize that
cell phones can be recycled.
refinery noun [count] /rɪˈfaɪnəri/ a factory where things are
removed from a natural
substance to make it pure
The oil is taken to a refinery
where it is processed.
rest noun /rest/ the part of something that
remains
You’ll tell your computer what
you need and your 3D printer
will do the rest!
right-click verb /ˈraɪt ˌklɪk/ to press the button on the
right side of a computer
mouse with your finger, in
order to make it possible to do
something on a computer
Right-click on this link.
right-hand adjective /ˈraɪt ˌhænd/ on the right or towards the
right of someone or something
Click the right-hand button on
your mouse when the cursor is
over words.

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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Phonetic Spelling Definition Sample Sentence
rubber noun [noncount] /ˈrʌbər/ a strong substance that can
bend easily and is used for
making things such as tires and
boots
Rubber is used to make car
tires.
safe adjective /seɪf/ protected from being hurt,
damaged, lost, stolen, etc.
It is important to keep your
pictures and documents safe.
save verb /seɪv/ to make a computer keep
information that you have put
into it
Save your pictures and
documents on a back-up disk.
scan verb /skæn/ to use a piece of equipment to
read and store information in
digital form
A design is created on
computer, often by scanning
an existing object.
shape noun [count/
noncount]
/ʃeɪp/ the outer form of something A laser passes over the object
and creates a 3D picture of
the shape.
smartphone noun [count] /ˈsmɑrtˌfoʊn/ a cell phone that also works as
a small computer, allowing you
to store information and write
letters and reports
I just bought a new
smartphone and I don’t
understand it!
suit noun [count] /sut/ a type of clothing that you
wear for a particular activity
An astronaut’s suit is made of
metal and plastic.
surface noun [count] /ˈsɜrfəs/ the top layer or outside part of
something
The nozzle moves over the
surface of the object.
thick adjective /θɪk/ used for stating the distance
between the opposite surfaces
or edges of a solid object
Each layer is only about
0.1 mm thick.
thin adjective /θɪn/ when an object or material has
only a short distance between
two opposite sides, edges, or
surfaces
The layers are very thin.
tiny adjective /ˈtaɪni/ extremely small The hot plastic comes out of a
tiny nozzle.
tube noun [count] /tub/ a long, narrow object similar
to a pipe that liquid or gas can
move through
A nozzle is a small tube with a
hole.
type in phrasal verb /ˈtaɪp ˌɪn/ to type information on a
keyboard so that it is recorded
by a computer and appears on
its screen
Type in your password on this
screen.
whistle noun [count] /ˈwɪs(ə)l/ a small metal or plastic object
that you put in your mouth and
blow to make a high sound
The phone could have a dog
whistle app on it!
wood noun [noncount] /wʊd/ the substance that forms the
main part of a tree, and is
used for making things such as
furniture
My dining table is made of
wood.

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Useful Expressions
Useful Expressions Topic / Category Sample Sentence
I could live without a … because … Talking about vital technology I could live without a microwave oven
because I prefer to eat fresh food.
I couldn’t live without my … Talking about vital technology I couldn’t live without my GPS.
I really need my … Talking about vital technology I really need my hairdryer.
I think … was invented before … Talking about inventions I think nylon was invented before the
microwave oven.
The … came after … Talking about inventions The ballpoint pen came after the zipper.
Let’s think about … Generating ideas Let’s think about how a computer might
be related to our new phone.
Maybe the phone could … Generating ideas Maybe the phone could have a dog
whistle app on it!
What about …? Generating ideas What about “dog”?
A sports fan might want … Speculating A sports fan might want an app with
soccer results.
A student will definitely need … Speculating A student will definitely need a
dictionary.
A young mom probably wants … Speculating A young mom probably wants stories
for children.