Glossary purpose
This glossary brings together terms commonly found on pages about vapes, pods, coils, tanks, and vape liquids. Each explanation is brief and self-contained, so you can quickly understand what a term means and how it relates to using the device.
Safety note
Nicotine is an addictive substance. Vaping products are intended for adults and should be kept away from children and pets. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, use the appropriate charger, and stop using any product that appears damaged. This glossary explains terminology only and does not constitute medical advice or cessation advice.
Device components
E-cigarette (E-cigarette)
A battery-powered device that heats vape liquid to create vapor that can be inhaled. The device does not burn tobacco.
Vape / Vaping (Vape / vaping)
Vape is a common shortened name for a vaping device. Vaping is using the device and inhaling the vapor it produces.
Pod / Cartridge (Pod)
A pod is a removable cartridge used in compact vaping devices. It may hold vape liquid and include a built-in or replaceable coil, depending on the model.
Pod system / Cartridge system (Pod system)
A pod system is a vaping device based on a pod rather than a traditional tank. Systems are available with refillable pods, prefilled pods, or a combination of both.
Cartridge (Cartridge)
A cartridge is another name for a pod or a replacement component that holds vape liquid. The exact meaning depends on the manufacturer and the device design.
Tank / Refillable tank (Tank)
A tank is a refillable container that holds vape liquid and feeds it to the coil. Many tanks have a transparent section that allows you to see the liquid level.
Atomizer / Vaporizer (Atomiser)
An atomizer is the heating assembly that turns vape liquid into an aerosol. In everyday use, the term may refer to the coil area or the entire tank assembly.
Coil / Coil head (Coil)
The coil is the heating element that heats the vape liquid. It is usually made from resistance wire or metal mesh around the wick, and is replaced when it wears out. A coil typically lasts about a week, but its lifespan varies depending on the device, liquid, power level, and frequency of use. A burnt or unpleasant taste is a common sign that it may be time to replace the coil.
Cotton / Wick material (Wick)
The absorbent material that carries vape liquid to the coil. Cotton is a common material, but manufacturers also use other materials.
Mouthpiece / Drip tip (Mouthpiece / Drip tip)
The part of the device placed between the lips. Drip tip is the common name for a removable vape mouthpiece.
Battery (Battery)
The rechargeable or removable power source that supplies current to the heating element. Battery capacity is usually stated in mAh.
Mod (Mod)
A mod is a vaping device with a separate battery section and more adjustment or power options than a basic closed device. Electronic and mechanical mods are available.
Starter kit (Starter kit)
A starter kit includes the basic parts needed to operate a specific vaping system, usually the device, a pod or tank, and basic accessories.
Vape liquids and nicotine
E-liquid / refill liquid
The liquid used in a vaping device. It consists mostly of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, but also contains flavourings and sometimes nicotine.
Nicotine strength
The amount of nicotine in e-liquid, usually shown in mg/mL or as a percentage, where 1% = 10 mg/mL. Read the label and follow the product instructions.
Nicotine salt
A nicotine formulation used in some e-liquids. It is generally described as providing a smoother throat hit than some Freebase e-liquids at similar strengths. Nicotine salt e-liquids are usually intended for use in smaller e-cigarettes (MTL or RDL), such as pod systems.
Freebase nicotine
The standard form of nicotine used in many e-liquids. It is often associated with traditional e-liquids and a more noticeable throat hit at higher strengths. Freebase e-liquids are often used in larger e-cigarettes operating at higher wattages (DTL/DL).
Propylene glycol (PG)
A low-viscosity base used in e-liquids. PG helps carry flavour and is generally associated with a more noticeable throat hit.
Vegetable glycerin (VG)
A thicker base used in e-liquids. VG contributes to a smoother feel and larger vapor production, and its viscosity affects the liquid's compatibility with the device.
PG/VG ratio
The ratio of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin in e-liquid, such as 50/50 or 70/30. The ratio affects viscosity and the feel of the flavour.
Flavour concentrate
A concentrated flavouring intended to be mixed into a suitable e-liquid base. Flavour concentrate is not the same as ready-to-use e-liquid.
Shortfill
A larger bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid with room left for an optional nicotine shot. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and concentration.
Nicotine shot
A small bottle of nicotine-containing base intended to be added to nicotine-free Shortfill or a mixing bottle. Use only according to the label instructions.
Vaping styles and settings
Mouth-to-lung (MTL)
A vaping style in which vapor first enters the mouth and is then inhaled into the lungs. This is a relatively tight draw that often resembles inhaling from a cigarette.
Restricted direct-to-lung (RDL)
A draw style between MTL and DTL. The airflow is more open than MTL, but still restricted compared with a fully open direct-to-lung draw.
Direct-to-lung (DTL / DL)
A vaping style in which vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs. It is generally used with more open airflow than MTL.
Airflow
The amount of air entering the device during a draw. A more closed setting feels tighter and more restricted, while a more open setting feels airier.
Draw
A draw is a single inhalation of vapor from the device. A tight draw uses restricted airflow, while an airy draw uses more open airflow.
Wattage
The electrical power delivered to the coil, measured in watts (W). Use the recommended power range for the installed coil or pod.
Voltage
The electrical voltage applied by the device, measured in volts. On electronic devices, the voltage can sometimes be adjusted or automatically regulated by the device.
Ohm / resistance
The measure of electrical resistance. Coil resistance affects the power range and heating behavior, so follow the range specified on the coil.
Mesh coil
A coil that uses a perforated or woven metal strip instead of a single round wire. The mesh heats across a broad surface inside the coil head.
Temperature control (TC)
A device mode designed to limit the coil temperature when using a suitable wire and appropriate settings. This differs from setting the wattage alone.
Low-resistance coil / Sub-ohm
A coil with a resistance of less than one ohm. Such coils require a suitable device and power range, so it is important to check the coil and device instructions.
Maintenance and common issues
Priming a new coil
Priming a new coil involves pre-soaking the cotton with e-liquid before vaping. Follow the coil or device manufacturer’s instructions and do not activate a dry coil.
Dry hit / burnt taste
A dry hit is a harsh or burnt-tasting puff that occurs when the cotton does not receive enough e-liquid while the coil is heating.
Burnt coil / burnt taste
A persistent burnt taste originating from the coil or cotton. Stop using the device and check whether the coil needs to be replaced according to the device instructions.
Flooding
A condition in which too much e-liquid reaches the coil area. It may cause gurgling, weak vapor production, or liquid collecting in the mouthpiece.
Gurgling
A bubbling or gurgling sound during inhalation, usually caused by excess liquid or condensation around the coil or in the airflow path.
Leaking
E-liquid escaping from the pod, tank, airflow opening, or connection. Check the seal, fill level, coil installation, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
E-liquid spitback
Small drops of hot e-liquid that reach the mouthpiece during inhalation. This usually occurs because of excess liquid around the coil.
Chain vaping
Repeated puffs with only a very short break between them. Sometimes the coil and cotton need a brief pause to finish absorbing the liquid.
Vaper’s tongue
This is a common term for a temporary decrease in taste perception, sometimes noticed after using the same flavor repeatedly for an extended period.
Sources
The explanations have been rewritten in Hebrew and are based on professional sources and common usage of vaping terminology in Israel. Local sources were used to select the Hebrew terms, not to copy wording.
HM Revenue & Customs, glossary https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/565928/Understanding_Online_Ecigarette_market_HMRC-research.pdf
NHS, Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
Vampire Vape, Vaping Glossary https://www.vampirevape.co.uk/vaping-glossary
Tablites, Vape Glossary https://tablites.com/pages/vape-glossary
Vapouriz, A to Z Terminology Guide https://www.vapouriz.co.uk/blogs/vaping-guides/an-a-to-z-terminology-guide-for-e-cigarettes-and-vapes
CIG, Hebrew electronic-cigarette glossary https://www.cig.co.il/glossary.html?sl=he
TakeAIR, pod and Hebrew terminology examples https://www.takeair.co.il/category/%D7%A4%D7%95%D7%93%D7%99%D7%9D
VapePoint, current pod collection terminology https://vapepoint.co.il/en/collections/pod-systems