competence [`käm·pǝd·ǝns] EMBRYOLOGY The ability of a reacting system to respond to the inductive stimulus during early developmental stages. GEOLOGY The ability of the wind to transport solid particles either by rolling, suspension, or saltation (intermittent rolling and suspension); usually expressed in terms of the weight of a single particle. HYDROLOGY The ability of a stream, flowing at a given velocity, to move the largest particles. MINING ENGINEERING A property of rock strata which possess sufficient strength to span a mine opening without failure. |