3.1 This standard is intended to facilitate communication among members of the business, research, legal, government, and educational communities.

3.2 Definitions:

3.2.1 Terms and their related standard definitions in Section 4 are intended for use uniformly and consistently in all nanotechnology test methods, specifications, guides, and practices. The purpose of such use is to promote a clear understanding and interpretation of the standards in which they are used.

3.2.2 Definitions of terms are written in the broadest sense possible, consistent with the intended meaning using the following guidance considerations.

3.2.2.1 Terminology E1992 and Practice E1964 concepts are considered, especially Sections 6.5, 7, and 8 of Practice E1964.

3.2.2.2 Terms and nomenclature are based on observed scientific phenomena and are descriptive, distinguishable, and have significant currency in the nanotechnology field as reflected in peer-reviewed articles and other objective sources. These terms and names should not disrupt accepted usage in other scientific and technological fields, and their preferred usage should follow accepted scientific syntax.

3.2.2.3 When incorporating a term or name from a related field, its underlying meaning is not redefined. Modifications are minimal and are done to elucidate scientific distinctions required by nanotechnology practitioners.

3.2.2.4 When conflicting or overlapping terms and names arise between scientific disciplines, precedence was given to the established term that has behind it a significant body of knowledge.

3.2.2.5 The definition of a term that can have different meanings in different technical fields, especially those fields beyond nanotechnology, is preceded by a limiting phrase, for example, "in nanotechnology."

3.3 Description of Terms:

3.3.1 Descriptions of Terms are special purpose definitions intended to provide a precise understanding and interpretation of standards in which they are used.

3.3.2 A specific description of a term is applicable to the standard or standards in which the term is described and used.

3.3.3 Each standard in which a term is used in a specially defined manner beyond the definitions in Section 3 should list the term and its description under the subheading, descriptions of terms.

3.3.4 Practice E1964, Section 13, are used to guide the contents of descriptions.

3.3.5 As nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field, it will be necessary to continually reassess the terms and definitions contained in this standard, for purposes of revision when necessary. The intent of the terms and definitions in this standard is to describe materials containing features between approximately 1 and 100 nm and to differentiate those properties different from properties found in either molecules or the bulk (interior) of larger, micron-sized systems.

3.4 Discussion of Terms:

3.4.1 Discussion sub-paragraphs are non-normative. They are used in this standard to provide explanatory information, to clarify distinctions between the use of terms in this standard as compared with that in other contexts or other fields of technology and to suggest preferred usage of a term.