Vaporizer Glossary A–Z: Key Terms Clearly Explained

This vaporizer glossary explains technical terms concisely and links directly to the in-depth articles. It distinguishes between device design, compound data, and effects in humans. Terms are grouped alphabetically; the central glossary overview organises the same topics by practical question.

A to D: Aerosol, delivery, and chemical conversion

Aerosol: Solid or liquid particles distributed in a gas. The visible cloud is not a direct measure of the THC content present. The vapour quality overview distinguishes sensory observation from analytical measurement.

Airpath: The term for the air route through the device. Which sections a manufacturer means by this must be clear from the construction. A glass mouthpiece alone does not describe all contact surfaces.

AVB/ABV: Abbreviations for already vaped bud and already been vaped material. Its colour is not a reliable quantitative residual-content analysis. More on this in the AVB article.

Ball Vape: A design featuring a heated head in which balls contribute to heat transfer. The construction, its regulation, and the chamber must be considered as a system. The glossary entry explains the components.

Bioavailability: The proportion of an administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation. It must be distinguished from aerosol collected in laboratory measurements of device output. The vapour quality overview explains the measurement sites.

Decarboxylation: The chemical removal of carbon dioxide, for example during the conversion of THCA to THC. It is neither synonymous with complete extraction nor with a safe dose. The in-depth article explains compound form and measurement.

Dosing capsule: A container for a pre-prepared portion of material. The name does not imply an automatically validated active-compound delivery. The capsule basics distinguish between portioning and dosing accuracy.

E to K: Evidence, Heating Technology, and Device Construction

Endocannabinoid system: A biological signalling system comprising endogenous messengers, receptors, and further components involved. A mechanism is not an automatic therapeutic outcome. The ECS article explains the levels.

Entourage effect: An umbrella term for possible or investigated interactions between constituents. Any specific claim must name the combination, dose, and endpoint. The terpene article contrasts the differing findings.

Total THC: An analytical figure whose calculation method and reference quantity must be verified in the laboratory report. The acidic precursor and the neutral active compound must not be equated without explanation. More in the decarboxylation explanation.

Hybrid heating: A combination of different modes of heat transfer. The term alone conveys no universal percentage share and no guaranteed yield. The hybrid explanation covers the practical classification.

Induction: The heating of a suitable component by an alternating magnetic field. How the heat subsequently reaches the plant material is a separate question. The induction heater article separates these levels.

Conduction: Heat transfer through direct contact. Convection: Heat transport via a moving medium, in dry-herb vaporizers chiefly heated air. Real designs may combine several contributions. The heating-method comparison puts them in context.

M to S: Quantities, Measurement Points, and Process

Microdosing: Colloquially, the use of small amounts. This does not imply a uniformly defined cannabis dose. The glossary entry distinguishes plant mass, active-compound quantity, and exposure.

On-demand: Heat activation as required, as a mode of operation. The term says nothing about a consistent active-compound quantity per draw. The distinction from session mode is set out in the operating-mode comparison.

Pass-Through Charging: Term for a mode of use whilst connected to a power supply. Scope and limitations depend on the model. The pass-through entry explains the relevant caveats.

PID: Proportional, integral, and derivative components of a control loop. The designation does not guarantee any particular temperature accuracy at the plant material. More in the PID article.

Recovery: The proportion of an investigated substance retrieved in a defined fraction. The denominator, collection site, and method must be stated alongside the figure. Recovery measured in collected aerosol is not systemic bioavailability.

Session: An operating sequence comprising one continuous active phase. Whether and for how long the device heats during that phase depends on its implementation. A session is not a standardised substance dose.

Boiling Point: The temperature at which the vapour pressure of a pure substance equals the ambient pressure. The pressure reference is indispensable. Evaporation is also possible below this point. The boiling-point article corrects the widespread confusion regarding THC.

T to W and Numbers: Substances and Connections

Terpenes: A group of plant-derived compounds; many contribute to aroma. The effect of a defined substance cannot be inferred from its scent or a product label. The evidence overview distinguishes between study types.

Trichomes: Plant hairs or specialised surface structures; glandular trichomes play a role in the formation and storage of certain constituents in cannabis. The botany overview explains why a photograph is no substitute for a quantitative batch analysis.

WPA: Water pipe adapter. Mechanical fit, intended load, and device approval must be verified separately. More in the WPA entry.

510 Thread: A widely used connector designation in the relevant device category. A mechanical connection does not imply universal electrical or material compatibility. The 510 explainer describes the limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source status and changes

Updated 10 September 2026. Terms link to in-depth articles with relevant sources and evidence limits. The A–Z introduction serves as an orientation; the central glossary overview provides the full topic paths.

Abrams DI, Vizoso HP, Shade SB, Jay C, Kelly ME, Benowitz NL. 2007. Vaporization as a smokeless cannabis delivery system: a pilot study. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. DOI: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100200 · PMID 17429350