header

header

(1) In a disk or tape file, a set of data that resides permanently at the beginning. It may be used for identification only (type of file, date of last update, etc.), or it may describe the structural layout of the contents, as is common with many document and database formats.

(2) In a document or report, common text printed at the top of every page.

(3) Any caption or description used as a headline.

(4) In a communications message, a temporary set of data that is added to the beginning of the text in order to transfer it over the network. The header contains source and destination addresses as well as data that describe the content of the message. See HTTP header, e-mail header and header file.

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header

1. a reservoir, tank, or hopper that maintains a gravity feed or a static fluid pressure in an apparatus

2. a manifold for distributing a fluid supply amongst a number of passages

3. a machine that trims the heads from castings, forgings, etc., or one that forms heads, as in wire, to make nails

4. a person who operates such a machine

5. the action of striking a ball with the head

6. Computing a block of data on a tape or disk providing information about the size, location, etc., of a file

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header [′hed·ər]

(building construction)

A framing beam positioned between trimmers and supported at each end by a tail beam.

(civil engineering)

Brick or stone laid in a wall with its narrow end facing the wall.

(communications)

The first section of a message, which contains information such as the addressee, routing, data, and origination time.

(computer science)

header label

(electricity)

A mounting plate through which the insulated terminals or leads are brought out from a hermetically sealed relay, transformer, transistor, tube, or other device.

(engineering)

A pipe, conduit, or chamber which distributes fluid from a series of smaller pipes or conduits; an example is a manifold.

(graphic arts)

Text that is printed at the top of every page of a document or report; may contain the page number.

(mechanical engineering)

A machine used for gathering or upsetting materials; used for screw, rivet, and bolt heads.

(mining engineering)

An entry-boring machine that bores the entire section of the entry in one operation.

A rock that heads off or delays progress.

A blasthole at or above the head.

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1.		header - The portion of a packet, preceding the actual data, containing source and destination addresses, error checking and other fields.
2.		header - The part of an electronic mail message or news article that precedes the body of a message and contains, among other things, the sender's name and e-mail address and the date and time the message was sent.