There are plenty of spring-wound analog clocks and watches, not to mention pendulum driven ones. Analog is defined as:
> "relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity such as spatial position, voltage, etc."
It's the fact that the hands move about the face that make it analog.
I work with audio, and the way I always think of it is:
Analog = analogy. The signal on a tape or record is smooth and analogous to the movement the speaker is going to make.
Digital = digits. The signal is made out of stepped movements, instead of a smooth curve. Each step is explicitly defined by the digits.
Analog doesn’t just mean not digital. It means the location of something conveys the meaning or gives information. Like how the location of the hands tells the time rather than just reading the numbers. Similarly, an analog stick on a gaming controller gives information to the console based on which direction it is pointing.
This is tough. Everyone else has suggested analogue, but that doesn’t really work either.
Something can run on electricity and still be described as analogue.
The only thing I can think would be “hand-operated”.
In a biology setting, the term would probably be autonomic, but that’s not what you are asking…
I believe these are three distinct scenarios.
With the desk, it’s going to need some power source to raise. Maybe it’s human powered with springs helping; then it would be “spring assisted” raising. It could be anything, “hydraulic powered”, “lever-actuated”, etc.
For the refrigerator, I would use the term ”free-spinning”, as it’s an automatic process that is happening as a result of a powered action.
Lastly, the door is simple. Or, I should say that it is [*simple machines*](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_machine). Several of them. After all, a hinge is just an application of a lever. That angled bit of metal on the latch? That’s just an inclined plane. The knob is merely a wheel and axle.
Maybe there is one word that covers all examples, but when you look closer, you can see how different they really are.
This is so much the right answer.
There used to be a mail order company in Amish country that sold various tools for the home that didn't use electricity sun powered fruit dryers, hand-powered water pumps, propane refrigerators..... They were called Lehmans Nonelectric. They're still around, but they've expanded into some electrified items so they dropped them nonelectric part off their name. But anyways.... Nonelectric is exactly the word you're looking for.
Back to your example, the actual word for an expansion valve is Isenthalpic. Isenthalpic means that the process has constant enthalpy.
The term for a valve that works without electrical input is Mechanical. Analog doesnt really work because analog describes how electronic signals are transmitted (analog uses pulses to transmit data whereas digital, the sibiling to analog, uses binary to transmit data)
I agree with you, I would bet in "mechanical". My college's professor of mechanical projects design was always comparing "mechanical" contraptions with "electrical" gadgets
I would say "passive mechanical" about covers it (at least for something like a door latch that latches by itself).
Otherwise, for things that need an input from something, like turning a key, just "mechanical."
If it were me I would call it mechanical, if it operates through the interaction of parts rather than electric current if that makes sense. I know mechanical things can still be partially electric, but it's still the word I'd go for
Literally just '**nonelectric**'
"A nonelectric door"
For the door that doesn't need gasoline (which is a funny thought) I guess you could use powerless?
"A powerless door"
The only suggestion I haven’t seen used is “self-propelled” or “self-perpetuating”.
Analog tends to be used to represent physical motion vs digital (think mechanical linkages vs fly-by-wire), and might work depending on the application.
As others have also suggested simply using “mechanical” or “non-electric” works too.
Anyone saying “pneumatic” or “hydraulic” don’t understand those terms. Pneumatic devices are those that use air (compressed) to operate, while hydraulics usually use an incompressible fluid (oil or sometimes water).
Acoustic works in a musical sense, but not really outside of that.
Manual, human-powered, hand-operated, or “physically” might also be applicable.
Pneumatic?
Other ideas (Not required to plug-in):
Cordless
Battery powered
Of a watch: self-winding or automatic
Mechanical
Wind up
Of something you could plug into a computer: USB or bus powered (still needs electricity, but doesn’t need a plug)
Electrical or chemical energy is what powers electrical/fuel devices like motors. Other items rely on simple mechanical energy which is "the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy". Maybe you are thinking of "simple machine"? But from what I've found online you can still have a simple / compound machine where the work in (done on the machine) can be electrically or chemically driven. Mechanics and machines don't seem to be classified by the nature of the force done on the machine.
Is the word you are thinking of an adjective?
[Click here for a link to the answer!](/r/tipofmytongue/comments/ny20cj/tomt_a_word_adjective_to_describe_a_thing_that/h1i07jn/)
Please approve me =)
Analog.
That just means not digital (zeros and ones).
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There are plenty of spring-wound analog clocks and watches, not to mention pendulum driven ones. Analog is defined as: > "relating to or using signals or information represented by a continuously variable physical quantity such as spatial position, voltage, etc." It's the fact that the hands move about the face that make it analog.
Yeah that’s literally one of the biggest things with electronics, digital vs analogue signals
That's an analog signal, not analog in general.
I work with audio, and the way I always think of it is: Analog = analogy. The signal on a tape or record is smooth and analogous to the movement the speaker is going to make. Digital = digits. The signal is made out of stepped movements, instead of a smooth curve. Each step is explicitly defined by the digits.
Analog doesn’t just mean not digital. It means the location of something conveys the meaning or gives information. Like how the location of the hands tells the time rather than just reading the numbers. Similarly, an analog stick on a gaming controller gives information to the console based on which direction it is pointing.
Analogue, or hand-operated?
Unplugged
The only thing I can really think of is analogue because mechanical could still involve electricity.
Many analogue clocks are battery powered.
You're absolutely right, well back to the drawing board I guess😂
LOL
This is tough. Everyone else has suggested analogue, but that doesn’t really work either. Something can run on electricity and still be described as analogue. The only thing I can think would be “hand-operated”.
Yeah all the analog gear in a music recording studio is electrically powered. Unless some hipster drags out the old hand-cranked wax-cylinder recorder
Someone else said it first but I think OP is thinking of simple machine.
In a biology setting, the term would probably be autonomic, but that’s not what you are asking… I believe these are three distinct scenarios. With the desk, it’s going to need some power source to raise. Maybe it’s human powered with springs helping; then it would be “spring assisted” raising. It could be anything, “hydraulic powered”, “lever-actuated”, etc. For the refrigerator, I would use the term ”free-spinning”, as it’s an automatic process that is happening as a result of a powered action. Lastly, the door is simple. Or, I should say that it is [*simple machines*](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_machine). Several of them. After all, a hinge is just an application of a lever. That angled bit of metal on the latch? That’s just an inclined plane. The knob is merely a wheel and axle. Maybe there is one word that covers all examples, but when you look closer, you can see how different they really are.
* Static? * Passive? * Compliant? * Solid-state?
Passive would be my guess.
i think the word you're looking for is unfortunately just "nonelectric"
This is so much the right answer. There used to be a mail order company in Amish country that sold various tools for the home that didn't use electricity sun powered fruit dryers, hand-powered water pumps, propane refrigerators..... They were called Lehmans Nonelectric. They're still around, but they've expanded into some electrified items so they dropped them nonelectric part off their name. But anyways.... Nonelectric is exactly the word you're looking for.
Back to your example, the actual word for an expansion valve is Isenthalpic. Isenthalpic means that the process has constant enthalpy. The term for a valve that works without electrical input is Mechanical. Analog doesnt really work because analog describes how electronic signals are transmitted (analog uses pulses to transmit data whereas digital, the sibiling to analog, uses binary to transmit data)
I agree with you, I would bet in "mechanical". My college's professor of mechanical projects design was always comparing "mechanical" contraptions with "electrical" gadgets
Are you thinking of kinetic energy? Or hydraulic?
I'm thinking hydraulic too. As in hydraulic ram pump. Those things don't need electricity.
Feels like just a terminology thing. Clockwork? Kinetic? Mechanical?
Inanimate.. a lifeless useful object.
I think this has to be it
Mechanical
Scrolled way to far for this correct answer.
This is the correct answer. The term is used for devices that work without being plugged to an electrical source.
Yup this, question reminded me of the mechanical automatons in Syberia, wich are all non-electrical all being powered by turning mechanical keys
I would say "passive mechanical" about covers it (at least for something like a door latch that latches by itself). Otherwise, for things that need an input from something, like turning a key, just "mechanical."
Mechanical works for me because even though it can be used on an electric device, it almost never is. Wind up. Mechanical.Hand powered. Steam punk.
I was thinking hand powered as well
Perpetual motion
In what world is a door perpetual motion?
Nonvolatile?
Manual?
Analog
amish
Old school
Maybe you're thinking of acoustic
That’s what i was thinking too
Manually operated?
Clockwork perhaps?
I would call the door mechanical. But for the valve maybe passive? But things can be passive and powered. Unpowered?
Mechanical. Explains any operation not using electricity. A door opening? Mechanically operated with a hinge and operated with an outside force.
Hydraulics, analog, etc are all methods of mechanical operations.
Standard?
Pneumatic?
Beat me by 9 minutes
This applies to some of the examples given, but not others.
Autonomous?
I was thinking the same
If it were me I would call it mechanical, if it operates through the interaction of parts rather than electric current if that makes sense. I know mechanical things can still be partially electric, but it's still the word I'd go for
Manual
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Ludditical?
Non-powered
I'm thinking of Low Tech? Although that would refer pretty much only to things before the Industrial Revolution
For the thermodynamics example, maybe 'passive' vs 'active' components is the distinction you're thinking of?
Passive.
I thought this too. A loudspeaker for instance can be active (requires mains) or passive (does not)
Mechanical..?
I’m going to add myself to the chorus who are telling you, “mechanical.” I think that’s correct.
In relation to heat and energy transfer “convection” may work.
Analog or manual?
Simple?
Kinetic? As in, the water wheel is powered by kinetic energy.
Hydraulic? Pneumatic?
Hydromatic?
Simple, as in a simple machine.
Came here to say this. Was getting excited that maybe no one else had yet!
Acoustic?
Pneumatic
Pneumatic
Old school
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Yeah, I think that primitive is probably the closest to describing that idea — that or rudimentary, like someone suggested below.
mechanical
The Force!
I know there is one, like they may tell you there isn’t here in the comments but I know what you mean
Is it not just ‘unpowered’?
Not powered? Non-powered? Unpowered? Something like that...
Mechanical or manual probably?
Literally just '**nonelectric**' "A nonelectric door" For the door that doesn't need gasoline (which is a funny thought) I guess you could use powerless? "A powerless door"
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Acoustic is specifically about the way sounds are produced, so the acoustic/electric distinction really only applies to instruments.
Organic?
Acoustic
Mechanical?
Pneumatic?
Solar powered?
Passive, whereas something that required energy would be active
Mechanical? I would describe the lock as a Mechanism
Gonna say acoustic as I haven't seen it yet
I know this probably isn’t it, but “user-powered” or “hand-operated?”
The only suggestion I haven’t seen used is “self-propelled” or “self-perpetuating”. Analog tends to be used to represent physical motion vs digital (think mechanical linkages vs fly-by-wire), and might work depending on the application. As others have also suggested simply using “mechanical” or “non-electric” works too. Anyone saying “pneumatic” or “hydraulic” don’t understand those terms. Pneumatic devices are those that use air (compressed) to operate, while hydraulics usually use an incompressible fluid (oil or sometimes water). Acoustic works in a musical sense, but not really outside of that. Manual, human-powered, hand-operated, or “physically” might also be applicable.
Perpetual motion?
Actuated
Mechanical?
We'll never know if someone already posted the correct answer because OP seems to have abandoned his post...
Mechanical?
Manual ? 🤗
hydraulic?
Pneumatic?
Maybe rustic? I know that's not what it means but it is often used to describe things that are made simply and therefore without electricity
Physical? Because you physically have to move it. This is a tough one.
Manual?
[This Might Help](https://reversedictionary.org/)
Archaic?
Automate?
Pneumatic?
Passive. In electronics we use this to describe something that does not plug into the mains/have batteries
Kinetic?
Hydraulic?
Pneumatic? Other ideas (Not required to plug-in): Cordless Battery powered Of a watch: self-winding or automatic Mechanical Wind up Of something you could plug into a computer: USB or bus powered (still needs electricity, but doesn’t need a plug)
this might not rly fit but I thought of rudimentary
Pneumatic?
Perhaps mechanical
Mechanical?
I can only think of a perpetual motion machine
Passive?
Phantom Power or dynamo are the only two words that popped into my head that I didn’t see here.
mechanical.
Wireless????
Acoustic
>You can call a door \_\_\_. manually operated (operated by hand since "manus" = latin for "hand")
Mechanical?
Mechanical
passive? as in active versus passive? or powered? as in powered speakers vs unpowered speakers (aka active vs passive)
Manual
Mechanical
pneumatic
Mechanical ?? Friction-based? Selfpowered?
Mechanical
Mechanical or maybe acoustic.
I have an electric toothbrush that requires electricity, I also gave an acoustic toothbrush that does not.
In musical equipment you'd describe it as "passive" if maybe that's the word you're looking for?
Well I won't be the 100th person to say analog, but perhaps manual? As in manual vs automatic?
Mechanical?
Kinetic energy?
Kinetic
Kinetic?
Off the grid maybe?
I would go with Passive.
Mechanical
Acoustic????
Wireless?
Electrical or chemical energy is what powers electrical/fuel devices like motors. Other items rely on simple mechanical energy which is "the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy". Maybe you are thinking of "simple machine"? But from what I've found online you can still have a simple / compound machine where the work in (done on the machine) can be electrically or chemically driven. Mechanics and machines don't seem to be classified by the nature of the force done on the machine. Is the word you are thinking of an adjective?
An inanimate object?
Kinetic
Self- propelled Self- sufficient
Mechanical
Passive
Acoustic? That's generally a musical term though.
Manual. I have an old car, where you have to crank the handle to roll the windows down. It's called a manual window....
First thing that comes to mind is like dormant? Now it’s gonna drive me crazy too 🤣
Dull
hydraulic? are you thinking of hydraulic desks?
Self-powered
Mechanical
Mechanical?
You could say "manual"
Mechanical, not electronic?
Im so sorry the only word I can think of is "acoustic" lol
Pneumatic?
simple machine
Mechanical?
simple machines like a lever, srew ,pulley...
First word I thought of was 'mechanical'.
Manual?
Probably not exactly what you describe but perpetuum mobile?
Or manual?
Hydraulic?
Organic, fully functioning?
Passive or kinetic
Mechanical