Page 16 - My FlipBook

GLOSSARY

algorithms: step-by-step instructions used by computers to solve complex problems
axioms: unprovable rules that are accepted as true because they are self-evident or
especially useful
biomimetics: the study of the structure, formation, or function of naturally formed objects,
substances, or materials in order to artificially recreate them for human use
cell origami: the use of the natural pulling force of a cell to make it fold into 3D structures using other
cells and materials
computational biologists: scientists who use biological data to create algorithms for
computer programs
computational origami: the study of computer algorithms to solve paper-folding problems
corrugated: having alternating ridges and grooves
Delian problem: the ancient Greek mathematical problem concerning how to double the volume of
a cube
designer proteins: cell proteins designed by scientists in laboratories that have enhanced functions
elytra: the hard forewings of beetles that protect their delicate hind wings folded underneath
Fibonacci sequence: a numerical sequence in which each number is the sum of the preceding
two numbers
microscale: at a very small or microscopic scale
Miura-ori: the folding pattern created by Koryo Miura that was first used on a deployable solar panel
experiment aboard the Space Flyer Unit
mountain fold: a creased fold where the crease points up and the fold opens down
neurons: cells that are part of the nervous system and that transfer messages to and from the brain
origami: the Japanese art form using folding to change paper squares into representational forms
and sculptures
origami engineering: structural engineering that uses folding techniques inspired by origami
origamist: a professional artist who uses origami to create art
prefabricated: factory-manufactured sections of a structure that can be quickly assembled into
a building
proteins: substances found in cells that are made of amino acids and that tell the cell how to function
prototype: a first model of an object that is used as a pattern for later copies of that object
resilin: an elastic substance found in insects, especially within the hinges and ligaments of
their wings
rigid origami: a branch of origami that uses flat, stiff sheets of materials joined by hinges to make
the materials fold
self-folding: to fold on its own, with little to no outside pressure
Shinto: an ancient Japanese religion that consists of devotions to gods of natural forces and the
worship of the emperor as a descendant of the sun goddess
simulation: the production of a computer model of something so that it can be studied
tessellation: a pattern made by a repeated shape that does not have any gaps in between
the shapes
valley fold: a creased fold where the crease points down and the fold opens up

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