socks and knocks

socks and knocks
 n.pl.— «Sulfur is capable of forming more than one oxide…, conveniently lumped together with the symbol SOx. Similarly, nitrogen can produce more than one oxide; they are lumped together as NOx.…Sometimes the generic symbol R is used to represent the metallic elements (such as silicon, aluminum, and iron) present in the various constituents of ash. Then the notation ROx can be taken as a symbol for ash. It’s then possible to refer to the potential pollutants as socks, knocks, and rocks.» —by Harold H. Schobert Energy and Society: An Introduction Oct. 1, 2001. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Further reading

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