Edge:
The part of the sign that encloses the back and face or faces; the frame.

Edge Lighting:
A technique used to illuminate (by internal refraction) carved, incised, or sandblasted lettering and images, usually glass or acrylic, by lighting the edge of the transparent material.

Edging:
A patterned piece of plastic installed below a light source in illuminated awnings or light fixtures to protect the light source from damage or direct visibility, as well as to soften and evenly distribute the transmitted light.

Electric Sign:
A sign, that contains electrical fixtures or connections.

Electrode:
A terminal that conducts an electrical current between two conducting substances. Electrodes are found at both of the ends of a neon unit.

Electronic Art:
Digital data and artwork files (formerly called "camera-ready art") used in production of signs and graphic elements. Shapes and text are converted to paths (outlines) and used in defining path of knife, laser, router, water jet, etc.

Electronic Message Center:
A sign that utilizes computer generated messages or other electric means of changing text. Changeable message displays/signs may use incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs, and other technologies.

Electronic Message Signs:
Dynamic, changeable signs which may be any of the following: an EMD sign, an led sign, an lcd sign, or a crt sign. See also video wall, plasma screens, flat screens.

Electrostatic Film:
PVC medium treated with a small charge of electricity, enabling the sheeting to temporarily, but firmly, adheres to glass and similar smooth substrates.

Ellipsis:
A mark or series of marks (. . .) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words. It can also indicate continuing thought.

Embedded Fiberglass:
A common misnomer for fiberglass embedment. Embellishments. Any addition to a sign face that provides a three-dimensional effect. Cut-outs, push-through shapes/letters, neon strips, and clocks are all examples of embellishments.

Embossing:
The process of producing raised letters, particularly those produced by engraving dies or plates.

EMC:
See electronic message center. Also called electronic message signs.

EMD (Electro Magnetic Device):
Magnetically controlled disks that flip on and off to create changeable messages and are controlled with digital technology. See also electronic message signs.

Emulsion:
A semi liquid material that dries hard and is used in preparing stencils for screen printing.

Engine-Turned:
Descriptive term as applied to metal and gold leaf finishes. Appearance of material altered by spinning (turning) a series of uniform circles into the surface in rows. The rows then overlap in a symmetrical orderly manner to produce a unique finish. Most commonly seen applied to burnished gold leaf or stainless steel surfaces.

Engraving:
A method of marking metal, plastic or glass in shallow, negative relief utilizing a bit or graver. Engraving may be done freehand, using a pantograph, or by computer-driven equipment. The engraved area may be filled to create greater contrast.

Entrance Canopy:
A canopy or awning attached to the facade of a building to provide shelter and to define the building entrance. Often used as a vehicle for identifying building.

Environmental Graphics:
The planning, design and execution of graphic elements in the built and natural environment. Environmental graphics includes communication systems that identify, direct, inform, interpret, and visually enhance the environment.

Epoxy:
A common form of adhesive (glue) that produces a very strong adhesive bond between substrates. Epoxy comes in liquid or putty form and in two parts. The epoxy base is intermixed with a catalyst immediately before application. Once the two parts are mixed, working time is limited.

Erect:
To place a sign and sign support structure in its final location; install.

Etched and Paint-filled:
Etched (chemically) or incised (mechanically or by the abrasive method) and then filled with color to create a desired contrast and appearance.

Etching:
See acid-etching.

Extended:
A font in which the proportion of the letters, Numbers, and symbols, has been altered by increasing their width.

Extender:
A substance added to an ink to improve is working quality or to extend the volume.

Exterior Illumination:
Illumination that is provided from a source separate from the sign itself, such as a spotlight.

Extruded Acrylic:
See extrusion.

Extrusion:
A part that's created by forcing a raw material (usually metal or plastic) through a die to create the desired shape. Often used to refer to the extruded aluminum members that make up the frames of awnings. PVC boards are also created through the extrusion process.