transcription, транскрипция: [ smɑ:t ]
adjective (Science and Technology) (War and Weaponry) Of a machine: able to react to different conditions, computerized, intelligent (see intelligent°). Used especially in: smart bomb (or missile, weapon, etc.): a bomb (or other weapon) which is able to track and 'lock on to' its target; a laser-guided weapon; smart card, a plastic bank card or similar device with an embedded microprocessor, used in conjunction with an electronic card-reader to authorize or provide particular services, especially the automatic transfer of funds between bank accounts; smart house, a house with a central computer providing integrated control of environmental services such as heating; an intelligent building (see intelligentÜ); smart rock, a code-name for an intelligent weapon planned for the Star Wars programme. Etymology: A figurative use of smart in the sense 'clever': compare intelligent°. History and Usage: Smart is a word with a similar history to active except that it immediately preceded active in the fashionable language of advertising and product names. It was picked up by marketers in the early eighties and by the end of the decade (as the New York Times quotation below shows) seemed to be applicable to almost any product with a measure of computerization. The concept of smart bombs which could home in on a target with very high levels of accuracy dates from the early seventies, but enjoyed considerable exposure during the Gulf War of 1991. The dream of many proponents of precision-guided munitions, very tiny and effective smart weapons, will founder on the need to carry heavy electronic shielding. Atlantic Mar. 1987, p. 28 The beauty of the algorithm...is that it can be built into hardware that will fit even on 'smart cards', and enables the identity of end-users to be checked in less than a second. The Times 23 Feb. 1988, p. 30 The ultimate manifestation of the 'smart' house...was the Smart Seat, a microprocessor-controlled bidet attachment for the toilet. New York Times 25 Jan. 1990, section C, p. 6 With eerie precision, 'smart' bombs dropped down air shafts and burst through bunker doors. Newsweek 28 Jan. 1991, p. 15