Characteristic of a network that is prone to lose packets when it becomes highly loaded.

is used in the context of describing audio encoding schemes where some detail or nuance of the original analog master or source material/signal are lost during the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion process. Lossy audio encoding algorithms are used when the data for lossless encoding schemes would far exceed the capacity of the recording/transmission medium. Examples of lossy audio encoding schemes are the Dolby Digital or DTS. To minimize loss of audio performance, lossy audio encoding schemes uses perceptual encoding, where psycho-acoustics is used to encode the information that most humans are most likely to hear. back to the previous page

The image quality loses it's clarity when graphic is compressed.

A method of file compression that removes redundant pixels in an image, thus altering the original image to some degree. In most cases the difference is not distinguishable. Lossy data compression can reduce a file to 1/50th of its original size.

The property of being a poor conductor that absorbs and dissipates energy.

The ability of a material to attenuate or absorb energy. Based on either the dielectric or magnetic properties of the material.

characterized by or causing dissipation of energy

Implies energy dissipative. Thus a lossy dielectric loses energy through a charging/uncharging hysteresis cycle. A lossy transmission line can have the latter and/or a high skin effect AC resistance, attenuating the signal strength down the length of the line.