Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for the various acronyms, initialisms, and terms used throughout the wiki.

# #

**2O**: second officer

**2OPS**: Secondary Operations

**3A**: Alliance Antiproton Armaments

**3PF:** Portcullis Portal Prevention Field

# A

**A2/AD**: Anti-Access/Area Denial

**AAR**: after action report

**AASO**: assistant aerospace officer

**abaft**: to the rear of a starship

**ACB**: Annular Confinement Beam

**ACO**: auxiliary craft officer

**ACOM**: assistant communications officer

**ACT**: auxiliary craft technician

**action information center**: starship compartment that functions as a tactical command center

**active protection system**: technology designed to prevent threat elements from targeting a starship; includes close-in weapon systems and cyber-electromagnetic countermeasures

**AENG**: assistant chief engineer

**aerospace officer**: officer responsible for coordinating the flight operations of the auxiliary and berthed craft aboard a starship

**afore:** in, on, or toward the front of a starship

**AFS**: Allied Fleet Service

**aft**: toward the rear of a starship

**AI**: artificial intelligence

**AIC**: action information center

**aid to navigation**: a device that is external to a starship and is intended to assist in the navigation of the starship or to warn of dangers and obstructions; abbreviated ATON

**AIE**: auxiliary impulse engine

**AMARS**: astronomical monitor and recording sensors

**amidships**: middle section of a starship

**AMO**: assistant chief medical officer

**Annular Confinement Beam**: a component of transporter systems that confined the matter stream; was later applied to directed energy armaments to allow them to be fired between warp fields; abbreviated ACB

**AOPS**: assistant operations manager

**aport**: toward the port side of a starship

**APS**: active protection system

**AQM**: assistant quartermaster

**arachnoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth arachnids

**AREC**: assistant records officer

**ASDB**: Advanced Starship Design Bureau

**ASEC**: assistant chief of security

**ASO**: aerospace officer

**ASRV**: Autonomous Survival and Recovery Vehicle

**astarboard:** toward the starboard side of a starship

**astern**: in, at, or toward the rear of a starship

**ATON**: aid to navigation

**Autonomous Survival and Recovery Vehicle**: a type of evacuation pod used by Starfleet beginning in the mid 24th century; abbreviated ASRV

**auxiliary craft officer**: engineering officer responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a starship’s auxiliary craft

**axial fire**: weapons fire oriented forward or behind a starship

# B

**backfin**: term used by Cardassian Union for the aft section of its starships, *mek'hout* in Cardăsda

**BB**: battleship

**BCR**: biochemical reactor

**beam**: width of a starship at its widest point

**berth**:

**BNCC**: bio-neural computer core

**Border Surveillance System**: the series of stations and posts along UFP border that monitor traffic and watch for incursions, abbreviated BOSUS

**BOSUS**: Border Surveillance System

**bovinoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth bovines

**bow**: the front of a starship

**BPS:** boarding prevention system

**bulkhead**: upright partition within a starship

# C

**C3**: command, control, and communications

**C3ISTAR**: command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconaissance

**CA**: cruiser

**cabin**: starship compartment used to house personnel

**CAG**: cruiser group

**caninoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth canines

**cannon**: type of high-powered armament with a limited breadth of fire

**Cardassian Demilitarized Zone**: the border between the United Federation of Planets and the Cardassian Union; abbreviated CDMZ

**CC**: command cruiser

**CCO**: chief conn officer

**CCU**: critical care unit

**CDMZ**: Cardassian Demilitarized Zone

**CEMAP**: cyber-electromagnetic activities platform

**CEMCM**: cyber-electromagnetic countermeasures

**CENG**: chief engineer

**centerline:** imaginary plane dividing a starship in half lengthwise

**CETOPS**: Cetacean Operations

**CG**: battle cruiser

**CH**: heavy cruiser

**chaser**: armament pointing fore or aft

**chief engineer**: officer responsible for the repair and maintenance of all systems on a starship, and the management of the Engineering Department; abbreviated CENG

**chief conn officer**: officer responsible for the primary navigation of a starship and the management of the flight control team, which included both conn officers and flight control officers; abbreviated CCO

**chief medical officer**: officer responsible for maintaining the health and fitness of all starship personnel, and manages the Medical Department; abbreviated CMO

**chief of security**: officer responsible for keeping order aboard a starship as pertaining to the investigation of violations of regulations, altercations between crew members, and incarceration of any individual ordered into the brig by senior officers, also oversees the Security teams and away team safety; abbreviated CSEC

**chief science officer**: officer responsible for coordinating the sciences department of a starship under the direction of the operations manager; abbreviated CSO

**chief tactical officer**: officer responsible for intelligence and security matters aboard a starship, manages the Tactical Department, and advises the commanding officer on strategic matters; abbreviated CTO

**CIWS**: close-in weapon system

**CL**: light cruiser

**class**: a group of starships of a shared construction design

**CLO**: chief logistics officer

**close-in weapon system**: a defensive armament that is part of a starship’s active protection system as point defense; abbreviated CIWS

**CMD**: Command Division

**CMO**: chief medical officer

**CNC**: Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet

**CNCGENOPS**: Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet General Operations

**CNCSPECOPS**: Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet Special Operations

**CNS**: counselor

**CO**: commanding officer

**commanding officer**: the officer in command of a starship; abbreviated CO

**COMO**: communications officer

**compartment**: a room within a starship

**complement**: the number of personnel in the crew of a starship or facility

**conn**: another term for flight control station

**CONNO**: conn officer

**coreward:** direction of the galactic core

**COX**: coxswain

**coxswain**: officer responsible for piloting and maintaining integrated craft aboard Starfleet starships; abbreviated COX

**CP**: support cruiser

**CPO**: chief petty officer

**CQC:** close-quarters combat

**CQSPS**: cyclical quantum slipstream propulsion system

**critical care unit:** section of sickbay that provides intensive care medicine; abbreviated CCU

**CS**: strike cruiser

**CSEC**: chief of security

**CSO**: chief science officer

**CTF**: commander, task force

**CTO**: chief tactical officer

**CV**: carrier

**CVG**: carrier group

**CX**: exploration cruiser

**cyber-electromagnetic activities**: operations consisting of consists of cyberspace operations (CO), electronic warfare (EW), and spectrum management operations (SMO) to attack enemy electronic and computer systems and defend against attack; abbreviated CEMA

# D

**damage overhaul tool**:

**DC**: department chief

**DCT**: damage control team

**DD**: destroyer

**debarcation**:

**deck**:

**decommission**:

**DEFO**: d; abbreviated DOTeflector officer

**DF**: fast destroyer

**DH**: heavy destroyer

**DN**: dreadnought

**DNG**: dreadnought group

**dockyard**: facility responsible for starship maintenance

**dorsal**: upper surface of a starship

**DOT**: damage overhaul tool

**draft**: height of a starship at its tallest point

**DTS**: Dynamic Tactical System

**duty shift**: the portion of the day that a crew member aboard a starship or facility is scheduled to be on duty

# E

**ECM**: electronic countermeasures

**EEH**: Emergency Engineering Hologram

**electroplasma system**: power distribution network used aboard Federation starships; abbreviated EPS

**element**: term for a single starship within a fleet organization

**EMB:** expeditionary mobile base

**EMCOM**: emission control mode

**EMH**: Emergency Medical Hologram

**EMT**: emergency medical technician

**ENG**: Engineering Department

**engineering hull**: another term for secondary hull on Starfleet starships

**ENGO**: engineering officer

**EODT**: explosive ordnance disposal technician

**EPS**: electroplasma system (tech. electro-plasma distribution network)

**equinoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth equines

**ESH**: Emergency Security Hologram

**ESS**: emergency separation system

**ETA**: estimated time of arrival

**EVA**: extravehicular activity

**evacuation pod**: an auxiliary craft aboard a starship that allows personnel and passengers to abandon the starship in an emergency

**executive officer**: the second-in-command of a starship, also known as first officer; abbreviated XO

# F

**FCO**: flight control officer

**FCS**: flight control station

**FDC**: Federation Diplomatic Corps

**FE**: escort frigate

**Federation Timebase Beacon**: a component in the Federation Timebase System

**Federation Timebase System**: Federation-wide celestial timebase reference system used to that communicate time and spatial information to Federation and Starfleet starships; abbreviated FTS

**Federation Transwarp Network**:

**felnoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth felines

**FF**: fast frigate

**FGC**: Federation General Catalog of Astronomical Objects

**FH**: heavy frigate

**first officer**: another term for executive officer

**fitting-out**:

**FL**: light frigate

**FLG**: flagship

**Flight control station**: used for navigation and control of a starship during flight; also known as the helm

**flight deck**:

**Flight Operations**: all operations that relate directly to starship function

**FLT**: fleet

**FLTCDR**: fleet commander

**FLTCOM**: fleet command

**FLTFLG**: fleet flagship

**FM**: medical frigate

**FMT**: field medical technician

**FOPS**: Flight Operations

**FR**: frigate

**FSC**: Federation Science Council

**FT**: support frigate

**FTN**: Federation Transwarp Network

**FTS**: Federation Timebase System

**FTL**: faster-than-light, typically used in reference to starship propulsion systems

**FX**: exploration frigate

# G

**G&N**: guidance and navigation

**Galactic Condition Database**: a database maintained by Starfleet to assist in starship navigation; it documents stellar bodies and phenomena and their galactic shift; abbreviated GCD

**gateway station**: point of entry for immigrants and refugees to the Federation, typically found on outlying colonies

**GCD**: Galactic Condition Database

**Ghost Patrol**: colloquial term within Starfleet for missions to survey the aftermath of extinct civilizations

**GPCDR**: group commander

**group**: formation within a fleet composed of two to three squadrons and overseen by a group commander

**GSC**: gross structural compression

**guarantee group**: starship construction and design staff selected to accompany a vessel on its maiden voyage to monitor and ensure its smooth operation and preparedness for active service

# H

**hangar**: facility within a starship or facility used to store, repair, and maintain auxiliary craft

**hatchway:** a covered opening on a starship that allows access to holds

**Hazard Team**: a field unit of Military Assault Command Operations

**head**: the lavatory or toilet

**helm**: another term for flight control station

**HNRS**: head nurse

**hold**: compartment for carrying and storing cargo and other materiel

**HQS**: headquarters ship

**HRG**: holographic reconstruction generator

**hull**: the body and framework of a starship

# I

**IDF**: Inertial Damping Field

**IES**: independent emergency system

**inertial damping field**: forcefield system designed to compensate for acceleration forces within a starship

**intelligence officer**: officer responsible for intelligence matters aboard a starship, usually held by staff officer as secondary role

**INTO**: intelligence officer

**IOS**: interdiction operations ship

**IPS**: impulse propulsion system

**IPST**: impulse propulsion system technician

**ISTAR**: intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconaissance (often coupled with command, control, and communication)

**IWACS**: interstellar warning and control system

# J

**JAG**: Judge Advocate General

**JAGC**: Judge Advocate General’s Corps

**JCS**: Joint Chiefs of Starfleet

**Jefferies tube**: crawl space aboard Starfleet starships that houses vital systems access

**Joint Chiefs of Starfleet**: the ruling body of Starfleet Command

# K

**KA**; Khitomer Alliance

**keel**: centerline of a starship’s ventral hull

# L

**laid up**: to mothball a starship or place it in reserve

**LARS**: launch and recovery system

**launch**: to dispatch a newly constructed starship prior to fitting-out and commissioning or a spacecraft temporarily stored or docked

**laying down**: beginning construction of a starship

**LCARS**: Library Computer Access and Retrieval System

**leporoid**: a scientific classification term for biota with attributes similar to Earth leporidae

**LIBARC**: library and archive

**Library Computer Access and Retrieval System**: the primary user interface of a starship’s computer

**lifeboat**: another term for evacuation pod

**lodger unit**: an autonomous unit lodging with a host unit that is dependent on the host unit for most services, but maintains its independence in its primary role; for example, a MACO Hazard Team stationed aboard a starship

**LOG**: logistics officer

**logistics officer**: operations officer responsible for the procurement, transportation, storage, inventory, and disbursement of materiel

**LRS**: long-range sensor

# M

**M/ARA**: Matter-Antimatter Reaction Assembly

**M/ARC**: Matter-Antimatter Reaction Chamber

**MACO**: Military Assault Command Operations

**maintenance control office**: a compartment aboard a starship hangar facility dedicated to the administrative duties of the auxiliary craft officer and supporting personnel

**manifest**: a list of all cargo, passengers, and crew of a starship

**Master Systems Display**: computer display featuring a cutout diagram of a starship our facility used to provide information about the operational status

**Matter-Antimatter Reaction Assembly**: power generation system aboard Federation starships

**Matter-Antimatter Reaction Chamber**: key element of warp propulsion system; also known as the warp core

**MCNF**: Molecular Cohesion Nullifier Field

**MCO**: maintenance control office

**MCPM**: main computer propulsion control

**MCSU**: Mobile Combat Surgical Unit

**MDMS**: multidifferential-multispectral; a type of sensing system

**MED**: Medical Department

**MEDO**: medical officer

**mess**: dining facility aboard a starship

**Military Assault Command Operations**: the special operations division of Starfleet Security beginning in the late 24th century

**mine**: a self-contained explosive device intended to damage or destroy spacecraft

**Mission Operations**: all tasks that relate to specific assignments of a starship

**mission pod**:

**MOPO**: mission operations officer

**MOPS**: Mission Operations

**MRDS**: Modular Rapid Deployment System

**MSD**: Master Systems Display

**MUN**: major utilities network

**MVAM**: Multi-Vector Assault Mode

# N

**NAR**: Naval Auxiliary Reserve; Starfleet spacecraft registry prefix

**NCC**: Naval Classification Code; Starfleet spacecraft registry prefix

**NCO**: non-commissioned officer

**NDS:** Nexus Defense Screens

**nose**: term used by the Cardassian Union for the forward section of its starships, *vibr* in Cardăsda

**NRS**: nurse

**NX**: Naval Experimental; Starfleet spacecraft registry prefix

# O

**ODN**: Optical Data Network

**officer of the watch**: the officer tasked with overseeing a starship during a duty shift

**on station**: a starship’s destination

**operations manager**: officer responsible for the use of all ship systems not ostensibly involved with propulsion, navigation, or combat

**OPFOR**: opposing force

**OPS**: Operations Division

**OPSM**: operations manager

**OPSO**: operations officer

**optical data network**: a system of cables within starships and facilities that provided for data transfer between computers and terminals

**OOW**: officer of the watch

**OSHC**: Occupational Safety and Health Conditions Directorate

**OSI**: Office of Starfleet Intelligence

**overhead**: ceiling of a compartment on a starship

# P

**PADD**: Personal Access Display Device

**PAO**: public affairs officer

**pattern buffer**:

**PDD**: Perimeter Defense Directive

**PDT**: primary deuterium tank

**Personal Access Display Device**: a handheld tablet interfaced with a starship computer

**PIE**: primary impulse engine

**PIM**: plan of intended movement

**pintle**:

**plan of intended movement**: a fleet unit’s charted course of movements

**port**: the left side of a starship

**Project Miracle Worker**: a joint project between Starfleet, the Klingon Defense Force, and the Romulan Republic Militia to develop starships that implemented recent engineering innovations

**PROPO**: propulsions officer

**Psychopomp Duty**: colloquial term within Starfleet for those assigned to starship and personnel recovery operations after disasters or combat, also known as "Undertaker Duty"

**PTC**: Power Transfer Conduit

**PTP-C**: Portable Transporter Platform - Cargo

**PTP-O**: Portable Transporter Platform - Orbital

**PUN**: protected utilities network

# Q

**QM**: quartermaster

**QSPS**: quantum slipstream propulsion system

**QSS**: quantum slipstream

**quantum slipstream drive**: another term for quantum slipstream propulsion system

**quartermaster:** operations officer responsible for assisting the logistics officer in the storage, inventory, and disbursement of materiel

# R

**R&D**: research and development

**rapid launch system:** the spacecraft version of a vertical launching system

**RCS**: reaction control system

**reaction control system**: network of low-power, impulse thrusters that maneuver a starship at sublight speeds

**RECO**: records officer

**refit**: remaking and adding structures and systems not present in the original design; for example, refitting of an *Odyssey*-class cruiser into a *Yorktown*-class

**REFO**: reference specialist

**registry**: the name and number assigned to a vessel in order to differentiate it from other starships

**reporting name**: a code or translated name assigned by an organization to starship classes and individual vessels that made them more understandable to personnel of the organization

**RES**: Refracting Energy Shunt, a system developed with the *Gagarin*-class

**retrofit**: upgrading systems without any significant structural changes, typically only replacing a single system or component with a newer and more advanced one

**rimward:** direction of the galactic rim or edge

**RLS:** rapid launch system

**RMSP:** Reyga Metaphasic Shield Program

**RNZ**: Romulan Neutral Zone

**Romulan Neutral Zone**: Federation term for the border between the United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire

**RRD**: Rapid Reaction Directive

**RSE**: Romulan Star Empire

**RU**: runabout

**rummage**: to stow or organize cargo in the hold of a starship

**RUN**: reserve utilities network

# S

**SAR:** search and rescue

**SB**: shuttlebay

**SBM**: shuttlebay manager

**SC**: shuttlecraft

**scatter volley**: rapid firing of armaments in a wide pattern to hit multiple targets

**SCE**: Starfleet Corps of Engineers

**SCI**: Sciences Division

**SCICOM**: Starfleet Science Command

**SCIO**: science officer

**SCPS**: subspace conduit propulsion system

**SCRNS**: screening ship

**SCS**: space control ship

**SCTCDR**: sector commander

**SCTCOM**: sector command

**scuttle**: to deliberately destroy a starship outside of combat, typically to prevent it from coming into the possession of an enemy

**SD**: stardate

**SDSEC**: Starfleet Deep Space Exploratory Corps

**SEC**: Security Department

**SENG**: Starfleet Engineering Command

**SECO**: security officer

**second officer**: the third-in-command of a starship

**secondary hull**: the section of a starship that housed the power plant and engineering facilities

**Secondary Operations**: tasks that fall outside both Flight Operations and Mission Operations

**senior staff**: a group of officers and civilian personnel on a starship, starbase, or planetary facility, who were responsible for the administrative, operational, and logistical support of the post

**SFC**: Starfleet Command

**SFDU**: Starfleet duty uniform

**SFFY**: San Francisco Fleet Yards

**SFXU**: Starfleet excursion uniform

**shakedown**: live test of starship and crew performance after a major change, such as a crew change, repairs, or refit

**ship-breaking**: the dismantling of a starship as a source for parts or raw materials

**shipyard**: facility responsible for starship construction, refitting, and repairs

**shuttlebay manager**: officer responsible for managing a starship’s shuttlebay and hangar facilities

**shuttlecraft**: medium-sized passenger and cargo transportation auxiliary craft

**shuttlepod:** small, limited range, passenger transportation auxiliary craft capable of only impulse or low-warp factors

**SI**: Starfleet Intelligence Command

**sibling ship**: starships of the same class and configuration

**sickbay**: the medical center aboard a starship or facility

**SIF**: Structural Integrity Field

**sitrep:** abbreviation of “situation report”

**skeleton crew**: the minimum amount of personnel needed to operate a starship, typically employed during emergencies or when a starship is inactive

**skipper**: another term for the commanding officer of a starship

**SMC**: Starfleet Medical Corps

**SMOC**: Starfleet Mission Operations Command

**SNSP**: sensors platform

**SP**: shuttlepod

**SPAC**: Starfleet Public Affairs Command

**space control ship**: vessels designed with extensive shuttlebays and large auxiliary craft capacity to facilitate expanded escort and patrol duties, abbreviated SCS

**spacedock**:

**spaceframe**:

**spaceworthy**:

**spinward:** direction of the galactic rotation; also turnwise

**SPMC**: Starfleet Personnel Management Command

**sponson**: projection from a starship’s hull used to mount armaments or sensors

**sponsor**: the individual who christens a starship at its launch

**SQN**: squadron

**SQNCDR**: squadron commander

**squadron**: subunit of a fleet composed of three or more starships

**SS**: surveillance starship

**SSC**: Starfleet Scientific Corps

**STA**: subspace transceiver assembly

**staff officer**: member of senior staff responsible for the administrative, operational, and logistical responsibilities of a starship or facility

**starboard**: the right side of a starship

**stardrive section**: another term for secondary hull

**Starfleet Corps of Engineers**: personnel serving within Starfleet Engineering Command and the Engineering Divisions of Starfleet starships and facilities

**Starfleet Judge Advocate General's Corps**: personnel serving within Starfleet Judicial Command

**Starfleet Medical Corps**: personnel servicing within Starfleet Medical Command and the Medical Divisions of Starfleet starships and facilities

**Starfleet Scientific Corps**: personnel serving within Starfleet Science Command and the Science Divisions of Starfleet starships and facilities

**stateroom**:

**stern**: the rear part of a starship

**steward**: crew member involved in commissary duties

**STL**: slower than light; reference to speed of travel

**STO**: Starship Technical Overhaul Directive

**summersun**: term used by the Cardassian Union for the dorsal section of its starships

**support vessel**: a type of auxiliary craft designed to support larger starships that had specialized berths for the craft

**SV**: support vessel

# T

**TAC**: Tactical Department

**task force**: a temporary formation within a fleet created to fulfill a specific mission or perform operational tasks

**TF**: task force

**TMP**: Theseus Modernization Project, part of the Fleet Modernization Program

**TOCDR**: theater commander

**TOCOM**: theater command

**torpedo**:

**TOS**: Technical Overhaul Scheme

**TPS**: transwarp propulsion system

**TR**: cutter

**tracking:** direction opposite of the galactic rotation; also trailing or widdershins

**trailing:** direction opposite of the galactic rotation; also tracking or widdershins

**TRANSC**: transporter chief

**transom**: vertical reinforcement of a spacecraft's stern

**TRANSOP**: transporter operator

**TRS**: technical research ship

**turbolift**: a device that provided transportation for personnel throughout starships and space stations through a system of turboshafts

**turnwise:** direction of the galactic rotation; also spinward

**turret**:

**TWC**: transwarp coil

# U

**UFP**: United Federation of Planets

**underway replenishment**:

**Universal Translator**: a technology system that automatically translated spoken and written language

**UNREP**: underway replenishment

**UOC**: unit operations center

**UPFY**: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards

**USS**: UFP Starfleet Spacecraft; Starfleet starship name prefix

**UT**: Universal Translator

# V

**VATA**: Variable Auto-Targeting Armament

**VE**: escort corvette

**vehicle replicator**: a type of hardware replicator that serves to fabricate auxiliary craft and terrestrial vehicles

**VP**: support corvette

**VS**: science corvette

**VT**: corvette

# W

**W&C**: warning and control

**wardroom**: a multipurpose compartment designated for the use of senior officers, typically used as a mess or function room

**warp drive**: another term for the warp propulsion system

**warp propulsion system**:

**watch**:

**watchstanding**:

**WDU**: warp drive unit

**widdershins:** direction opposite of the galactic rotation; also tracking or trailing

**wing**: a formation of two or more groups within a fleet overseen by a wing commander

**WK**: workpod

**WNG**: wing

**WNGCDR**: wing commander

**WPS**: warp propulsion system

**WPST**: warp propulsion system technician

**workpod**: auxiliary craft designed for maintenance, repair, construction, and cargo management tasks in the vacuum of space

# X

**xenotechnology officer**: billet responsible for the analysis of foreign technologies

**XO**: executive officer

# Footnotes

1. ↑ Taken from the Vanguard AMARS mission pod by Wild-Endeavour.
2. ↑ Derived from “The Ghost Patrol” short story by EmperorNorton150.