M

Mate:

To join two connector halves in a normal engaging mode.

Mega:

A numerical prefix denoting one million (106).

Meter:

Unit of length, equal to 39.37 inches.

Micro:

A numerical prefix denoting one-millionth (10-6).

Micrometer:

One millionth (10-6) of a meter, a unit of length. Used to specify wavelengths.

Micron:

(Short for the preferred form "micrometer"): a measure of length equal to 10-6. Used to specify wavelength, it is equal to 1000 nanometers, the preferred term.

Mil:

(0.001"): A unit used in measuring the diameter of wire or thickness of insulation over a conductor.

Milli:

A numerical prefix denoting one thousandth (10-3).

Mode (Fiber Optic):

One of the components of a general configuration of a propagating wave front. Mode is characterized by a particular geometrical pattern and propagation constant.

Moisture Resistance:

The ability of a material to resist absorption of moisture.

Multimode Fiber (Fiber Optic):

A fiber that transmits many modes.