| 释义 |
obsolescence|ɒbsəʊˈlɛsəns|
[f. as obsolescent: see -ence.]
1. a. The process of gradually falling into disuse or growing out of date; the becoming obsolete.
a1828Crombie is cited in Webster. 1869M. Pattison Introd. Pope's Ess. Man 16 The same process of obsolescence is gradually affecting..parts of Pope's poems. 1891T. R. Lounsbury Stud. Chaucer III. vii. 110 He recognized the obsolescence of his language, if not its obsoleteness.
b. spec. of machinery or similar assets. Also attrib. See also planned obsolescence.
1887Garcke & Fells Factory Accounts v. 93 This increased production may be due to certain parts being of a more permanent type than others and added to stock with less risk of obsolescence. 1913R. J. Porters Pitman's Dict. Book-Keeping 330 Any loss sustained through obsolescence is charged to Profit and Loss. 1930Economist 25 Jan. 163/2 In steelworks the question of obsolescence and the need for replacement of plant depend, partly, on the present condition of the plant and partly [etc.]. 1930Hutchinson & Lovell Short Dict. Legal Terms 87 Obsolescence. Where machinery is lessened in value not by mere usage or lapse of time, but by the fact that improved machinery is being brought into use, then this lessened value is termed obsolescence as distinguished from depreciation. 1957Clark & Gottfried University Dict. Business & Finance 245/1 Obsolescence, with respect to an asset, the loss in value brought about through improvements in technology, changes in public taste, or a falling off in demand. 1959Jowitt Dict. Eng. Law II. 1257/2 Obsolescence allowance, a charge allowed in determining profits for taxation purposes [etc.]. 1962[see built-in (b) s.v. built ppl. a. 1 b]. 1966New Statesman 28 Jan. 140/2 We have set up an obsolescence reserve of {pstlg}1,500,000.
2. Biol.
a. The gradual disappearance or atrophy of an organ or part, esp. in the history of a species, and as a consequence of disuse.
1852Dana Crust. ii. 1024 By the obsolescence of the articulation b and the last segment becoming obsolete. 1876J. S. Bristowe Th. & Pract. Med. (1878) 460 An occasional sequela of the obsolescence of scattered miliary tubercles. 1883G. Allen in Knowledge 20 July 33/2 All parts which are seldom or never exercised tend to atrophy or obsolescence.
b. Nearly complete effacement of a mark, spot, etc., e.g. on the wing of an insect.
1877Coues & Allen N. Amer. Rod. 291 The black spot at the tip of the ear varies greatly in extent in different specimens, in some being reduced almost to obsolescence. |