See Also: newsgroup(encyclopedia)
newsgroup(dictionary)

astigmatism (iou) and newsgroup (sh)


astigmatism (iou)



astigmatism noun. M19.
[from A-10 + Greek stigmat-, -ma point + -ISM.]
A defect of the cornea or lens of the eye, or of any lens, mirror, etc., which prevents rays of light from coming to a single focus.

newsgroup (sh)




Internet forum for discussion of specific subjects.

Newsgroups are organized into subjects (e.g., automobiles); each typically has several subgroups (e.g., classic cars, Formula One racing cars). A person starts a threaded discussion by "posting" (uploading) an article; the follow-up replies (including replies to replies) comprise the discussion. A newsgroup name usually consists of an abbreviation (e.g., "rec" for the recreation newsgroup) followed by subgroup names separated by dots (e.g., "rec.Music.jazz"). Viewing and posting messages requires a news reader, a program that connects the user to an Internet news server. Most newsgroups are connected via Usenet, a worldwide network that uses the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP). See also bulletin-board system.