Basics
Aerosol
An aerosol is a mixture of finely dispersed liquid or solid particles in a gas. In e-cigarettes it forms when liquid is heated; its composition and particle size depend on formulation, coil and operating conditions.
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Vaping basics explained
The core terms around vapes, e-cigarettes and aerosol – the basis for every other topic in this glossary.
These terms define what is being talked about in the first place. Once they are cleanly separated, product specifications, device descriptions and legal texts read much faster.
Basics
E-cigarette
An e-cigarette uses an electrically powered atomizer to heat e-liquid without burning tobacco. It typically consists of a battery, controls, liquid reservoir, coil and mouthpiece.
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E-shisha
E-shisha is a product label for usually compact e-cigarettes, often containing sweet-flavoured liquid. Despite the name, it does not work like a water pipe; depending on the product, the liquid may contain nicotine or be nicotine-free.
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Electronic nicotine delivery system
Electronic nicotine delivery system is a technical umbrella term for battery-powered devices that provide nicotine-containing liquid as an aerosol. It describes function rather than form and can include e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods and nicotine-containing pod systems.
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ENDS
ENDS abbreviates Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. In research and regulation, the category groups electronic aerosol devices that deliver nicotine, regardless of whether the particular form is called a disposable vape, pod system or mod.
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ENNDS
ENNDS stands for Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems and denotes electronic aerosol devices with nicotine-free filling. The category distinguishes them functionally from ENDS but says nothing about form, other ingredients or technical output.
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Puff
A puff is one activation and inhalation event on a vape. Duration, airflow and device output affect how much liquid is aerosolised, so a puff is not a fixed technical unit of quantity.
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Puff count
Puff count states how many activations a device has recorded or is expected to provide under a defined test. It is not an exact consumption value: longer puffs, higher power and cut-off logic change the attainable number.
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Vape
Vape is a common umbrella term for electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an inhalable aerosol. Depending on the design, a device may be refillable, pod-based or disposable.
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Vape accessories
Vape accessories include supplementary or replaceable items such as pods, coils, mouthpieces, protective cases and suitable charging components. The umbrella label does not imply universal fit; mechanical dimensions, electrical ratings and manufacturer approval determine suitability.
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Vape community
Vape community refers to informal or organised groups exchanging experiences, technical terminology and e-cigarette information online or in person. Contributions can be useful but do not replace verified manufacturer specifications or expert information on compatibility and safety.
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Vape shop
A vape shop is a specialist store or online retailer for e-cigarettes, liquids and matching consumables. Correctly matching pods, coils, batteries and device specifications is technically important; supply and advice are subject to applicable rules.
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Vaper
A vaper is a person who uses an e-cigarette. The term describes the behaviour only and does not reliably indicate device type, frequency of use, liquid composition or any previous tobacco use.
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Vaping
Vaping means using an e-cigarette by inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced from heated liquid. Unlike smoking, it does not burn tobacco, although the liquid composition and the particular device remain technically important.
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Vaping
Dampfen is the common German word for vaping, meaning the use of an e-cigarette. The visible cloud is not technically pure water vapour but an aerosol of fine liquid droplets and other constituents of the e-liquid.
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Vapour
Vapour is the everyday vaping term for the visible cloud during inhalation and exhalation. Physically, it consists mainly of condensed e-liquid droplets in an aerosol rather than simply gaseous water.
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