(1) Short for electrostatic discharge, the rapid discharge of static electricity from one conductor to another of a different potential. An electrostatic discharge can damage integrated circuits found in computer and communications equipment.

Also see Static Electricity and Computers in the Did You Know . . . ? section of Webopedia.

ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) Association
Offers a primer on ESD as well as standards information. Also provides information about the ESD Association.

ElectroStatics Incorporated
Home page for ElectroStatics Incorporated, manufacturer and marketer of static and contamination control systems. Their site offers information on the cause effects and remedies of static electricity, links to ESD related sites, and company and product information.

ESD Journal
Covers electrostatic discharge testing, consulting and instruments for the ESD industry. Includes articles, questions, developments, book reviews, and technical papers.

Electrostatic Applications resources
Collection of links to electrostatic and ESD resources on the Web.