DSC
Abbreviation with 4 meanings
| Stands for | Differential scanning calorimetry |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 4 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Military, Transportation & Travel, Education & Academia |
| Also written | DSc |
DSC has four meanings. The most common are Differential scanning calorimetry (chemistry) and Distinguished Service Cross (military award and decoration); it can also stand for Digital selective calling and Doctor of Science.
Meanings of DSC at a glance
| # | DSC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Differential scanning calorimetry | Science & Engineering › Chemistry |
| 2 | Distinguished Service Cross | Military › Military Award and Decoration |
| 3 | Digital selective calling | Transportation & Travel › Maritime |
| 4 | Doctor of Science | Education & Academia › Degree |
1. Differential scanning calorimetry
Science & Engineering · Chemistry Abbreviations
Thermal analysis method that measures the heat flowing into or out of a sample, compared with a reference, as both are heated or cooled. DSC finds melting points, glass transitions and curing reactions, so it is used to characterize polymers, pharmaceuticals, foods and fats.
Example: DSC showed a glass transition at 105 °C and no melting peak, consistent with amorphous polystyrene.
The technique was developed in the early 1960s at PerkinElmer. It is often run alongside thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which tracks mass rather than heat. Pharmaceutical companies use DSC to detect polymorphs, different crystal forms of the same drug that can dissolve at different rates.
2. Distinguished Service Cross
Military · Military Award and Decoration Abbreviations
Second-highest US Army decoration for valor, awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat that does not meet the Medal of Honor standard. The Navy Cross and Air Force Cross are the equivalents in other services.
Example: He received the DSC for leading the counterattack after his company commander was wounded.
The award was established in 1918 during World War I. Some DSCs have later been upgraded to the Medal of Honor after reviews of past discrimination. In the British Royal Navy, DSC is the Distinguished Service Cross, a separate gallantry award.
3. Digital selective calling
Transportation & Travel · Maritime Abbreviations
Feature of marine VHF, MF and HF radios that sends automated digital alerts, including a one-button distress call transmitting the vessel's MMSI and position. DSC on VHF uses channel 70.
Example: Press and hold the red DSC button for five seconds to send a distress alert with your position.
DSC distress alerts reach all equipped vessels and coast stations within range. A radio must be connected to GPS and programmed with an MMSI to send position automatically. Many boaters never register their MMSI, which limits the usefulness of DSC alerts.
4. Doctor of Science (DSc)
Education & Academia · Degree Abbreviations
Higher doctorate awarded by British, Irish and Commonwealth universities to established scientists for a substantial body of published work, usually many years after a PhD. It ranks above the PhD and is also often conferred as an honorary degree.
Example: The university awarded her a DSc for three decades of published work on plant genetics.
Written D.Sc. Candidates submit a portfolio of publications rather than a new thesis. In Switzerland and some other countries, "Dr. sc." denotes an ordinary research doctorate; at ETH Zurich it corresponds to a PhD. Honorary versions are labeled honoris causa.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- DFT – Density functional theory
- DI – Deionized (water)
- DMF – Dimethylformamide
- DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide
- EDTA – Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- EPR – Electron paramagnetic resonance
- EPS – Expanded polystyrene
- equiv – Equivalent(s)
See all 106 chemistry abbreviations →