sticky-wage theory n.— «The reason is something called the sticky-wage theory. Economists have long been puzzled by the fact that most businesses simply will not cut their workers’ pay, even in a downturn. Businesses routinely lay off 10 percent of...
adiabaticity n.— «U.S. and French scientists say they’ve developed a new understanding of a process called adiabaticity that’s used to control atoms in magnetic resonance. Adiabatic processes are what physicists and engineers use to control atoms...
How about the phrase “on the ball”? A listener wonders if its origin derives from a landing maneuver on aircraft carriers. Does his theory hold water? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Origin of “On the Ball”” Hello, you have A Way...
container syndrome n.— «It’s a controversial theory, but a vocal contingent of doctors and physical therapists believe the strap-in chairs and carriers that millions of parents have come to rely on are contributing to an increase in cases of...
mag-stripe n.— «In theory, overseas merchants are required to accept US cards (which are called “mag-stripe,” for the magnetic stripe that identifies each card).» —“HomeATM’s “PIN my Card” Solves Chip and PIN Problems” by John B. Frank HomeATM PIN...
resource curse n.— «Although economic growth is a key ingredient to poverty reduction, some academics have formulated the “resource curse” theory, which, broadly stated, includes the proposition that an economy blessed with abundant, but finite...
