CHAIN:		The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together.
CHAIN SIZE:		Refers to the specific gauge of the chain, i.e., size of the teeth.
TEETH:		The individual elements that make up the chain.
SLIDER:		The device that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper.
PULL TAB:		The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or down.
MATERIAL:		Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper, such as, metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil (nylon) chain.
TAPE:		The fabric part of the zipper.
TAPE WIDTH:		Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper chain.
TAPE ENDS:		The fabric part of the zipper, that extends beyond the teeth, at the top and /or bottom of the chain.
STYLE:		Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application.
TOP STOP:		Two devices affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent the slider from coming off the chain.
BOTTOM STOP		A device affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent further movement of the half of the zipper from separating.
BRIDGE STOP:		A device similar to a bottom stop, used at the top and of a zipper to prevent each half of the zipper from separating.
PIN:		A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to allow the joining of the two zipper halves.
BOX:		A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to correctly align the pin, to begin the joining of the zipper halves.
HEAT SEAL PATCH:		The cotton and nylon laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the type.
HEAT-SEALABLE ZIPPERS (WELDABLE LAMINATED ZIPPERS):		Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape to allow a manufacturer to electronically "weld" the zipper onto the garment or item that is being manufactured, without the need of sewing or stitching.
CONTINUOUS CHAIN:		Any material or size of zipper chain that is continuously spooled without sliders or any other components. Typically used by fabricators on a cut-as-need basis.
CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS:		(Finished Zippers) Any zipper that is finished to a specific length, with all necessary components attached.