Vahekaugust

Vahekaugust is an Estonian term that denotes the distance or space between two objects, features, or moments. The word is formed from vahe (‘between’) and kaugus (‘distance’), and vahekaugust is typically used in the partitive form in sentences. It describes a gap that can be physical, such as between components, or temporal, such as an interval between events.

In engineering and construction, vahekaugust refers to clearance between parts to allow movement, thermal expansion, and safe operation. Specifications set minimum or nominal gaps that vary by application, for example the space between a bolt head and a housing, or the separation between moving machine elements. Proper vahekaugust helps prevent interference, wear, and safety risks.

In electronics and manufacturing, the term is used for pad-to-pad and trace-to-trace spacing on printed circuit boards, as well as clearance between components. Adequate vahekaugust reduces the risk of shorts and electrical arcing. Design standards, including IPC guidelines, define minimum clearances for different voltages and environments.

In typography and digital interfaces, vahekaugust can describe the spacing between glyphs or UI elements to improve readability and layout balance. This use aligns with terms such as letter spacing and word spacing found in other languages, adapted to Estonian usage where appropriate.

Measurement of vahekaugust typically uses metric units such as millimeters or micrometers and is assessed with calipers, micrometers, or optical measurement tools, depending on context and required precision.