To support locking and process synchronization independently of transaction commits, the server provides semaphore objects[…]

It seemed at times that everyone was an FOB — everyone, that is, who'd emerged from the ivyest groves of academia […]

Lime-cement mortar is also known as composition or compo mortar, guarded or gauged mortar. The mix contains, lime, cement and sand in proportions depending on the requirements of the work.

The heroine is said to have seduced her father at the age of 13, to have been an MP, a spy, a pussygirl and countless other things.