Definition of Commonly Used Terms

Adaptation- The process through which the Borg render the offensive weapons of another species useless.  Adaptation operates on two levels; drone and space vessels or stations.  Individual drones have the ability to adapt to various offensive weapons after only a few attacks.  The frequency of the weapons pulse is analyzed, allowing the Borg shields to adapt.  On vessels and space stations, the process of adaptation is similar.  Since drones are linked to their vessel through the Collective, drones are able to analyze weapons discharged against them and alter the shield frequencie of their vessel to absorb the pulse so little or no damage is suffered. (reference "Q-Who?" [TNG])

Alphanumerics- The equivilant of the written language of the Borg, similar to binary computer sequences.  These alphanumeric characters can be found on various control interfaces, readily changing in accordance to the input of the drone. (reference "Star Trek: First Contact")

Assimilation- The process in which an individual is transformed into a drone.  Assimilation is a very complex process and is comprised of three primary stages:

• Cellular Assimilation- The first stage of assimilation.  In this stage, nanoprobes are injected into the victim's blood stream via an injection tubule.  This stage is really only necessary in the prescence of resistance, even though all drones will inherently receive nanoprobes during this process at one time or another.  This is because once nanoprobes are injected into a victim, they will become more cooperative during the process.  In addition to that, the nanoprobes act as viral agents on the host body.  They attach themselves to body cells and assimilate them by inserting a new set of DNA.  The result is the continued replication of assimilated cells.  The entire process moves very quickly and the results can be seen in mere seconds. (reference "Star Trek: First Contact",  "Scorpion", "Dark Frontier" [VGR])

• Extraction- The second phase of assimilation.  During this phase, non-essential exterior organs are removed and replaced with cybernetic technology. ( I.E.: An eye is sometimes extracted and replaced with an ocular implant; the base of the arm is extracted and replaced with a thorasic assembly.)  (reference "Star Trek: First Contact", "Dark Frontier" [VGR])

• Augmentation- The final stage of assimilation in which the bodies of individuals are further augmented with cybernetic technology.  This includes exoplating or any other prominent implant present on the exterior, such as body armor. (reference  "The Best of Both Worlds" [TNG], "Star Trek: First Contact", "Dark Frontier" [VGR])

It is also important to note that the assimilation process can be reversed under certain conditions.  As time progresses, the physiological systems of the assimilated individual grow more dependant upon the newly implanted Borg technology and can not be removed without killing the host.  However, if a newly assimilated drone is first disconnected from the Collective, their implants can be surgically removed in full with little or no long lasting effects.  The specific length of time before implants become permanent is unknown.  (reference  "The Best of Both Worlds" [TNG], "Unimatrix Zero" [VGR])

Designation- The general equivilant of a Borg name.  The designation specifies the position of the drone aboard a vessel or station, as well as identifies the numerical group the drone is assigned to.  The designation of a drone can be re-assigned when a drone is moved to different functions.  An example of the Borg Designation "Seven of Nine - Tertiary Adjunct of Unimatrix Zero One" can be broken down as follows;

• Seven of Nine - Designates that this drone is the seventh member within a group of nine.
• Tertiary Adjunct - Designates the sub-command level which this drone is assigned to.  In this case, level three.
• of Unimatrix Zero One - Designates the specific command center which this drone is assigned to.  (reference "I, Borg", "Descent" [TNG], "Drone" [VGR])

Drone- A single unit in the Borg collective.  Drones are incorporated into the Borg Collective through the process of assimilation.   Drones are comprised of both biological and technological components, granting them superior strength and efficiency.  Each drone is integrated into a single hive consciousness.  With each drone tied together through the Collective, decisions are made quickly and efficiently. (reference "The Best of Both Worlds", "I, Borg", "Descent" [TNG], "Drone" [VGR])

Drone Regeneration- The process of regeneration of individual drones.  Like most other beings, the Borg exert energy as they perform their assigned functions.  Rather than normal sleep, Borg drones regenerate to supply energy to their bodies.  This is important since the Borg do not eat.  However, their implants have the capability of replicating organic material which their biological organs require.  Regeneration can assist in rapidly repairing a damaged drone.  On average, a single drone will regenerate for approximately six hours per day.  (reference "Q-Who?", "The Best of Both Worlds", "I, Borg" [TNG], "Dark Frontier", "Drone" [VGR])

Neuro-Interlink Frequency- A frequency that interconnects the minds of Borg drones.   This signal is reinforced by a vinculum which also has the power to reintegrate the minds of separated drones back into the collective consciousness. (reference "Infinite Regress" [VGR])

Regeneration- The Borg process of re-powering and repair.  Regeneration can be used on vessels, space stations or individual drones.

Sub-Junction- The Borg designation for a deck or section of a deck within a vessel or station.  Sub-Junctions are used to identify specific parts of of their surroundings. (reference "Scorpion" [VGR])

Unimatrix- Relative term identifying an area where drones interact, possibly the designation of a space station or region of space.  The term has other forms as well, such as Trimatrix.  (reference "Dark Frontier", "Unimatrix Zero" [VGR])

Vessel Regeneration- The process through which the Borg repair vessels or space stations.  Additional power is routed through power distribution nodes to assist in the process.  (reference "Q-Who?", "The Best of Both Worlds", "Dark Frontier" [VGR])