doping

Altering the electrical conductivity of a semiconductor material, such as silicon, by chemically combining it with foreign elements. It results in an excess of electrons (n-type) or a lack of electrons (p-type) in the silicon. See n-type silicon and silicon.

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A term derived from the African Kaffirs who used a local liquor called ‘dop’ as a stimulant. In sport, doping is generally regarded as trying to gain an unfair advantage over other competitors by the use of:

• substances which are alien to the body (e.g. cocaine)
• normal body substances in abnormal amounts (e.g. blood doping)
• abnormal procedures (e.g. altering the integrity of urine samples to mask drugs).

Defining which drugs and methods constitute doping is a major problem. There is no universally agreed definition for all sports.

A term derived from the African Kaffirs who used a local brew called ‘dop’ as a stimulant. The International Olympic Committee's Lausanne Declaration on Doping in Sport (1999) states that ‘… doping is defined as the use of an artifice, whether substance or method, potentially dangerous to athletes’ health and/or capable of enhancing their performance’. The World Anti-Doping Agency has compiled a list of prohibited substances.

The illicit administration of drugs or other agents to racing animals with the intention of altering their physical performance, either adversely or positively. Called also sting.

The process of adding impurity atoms to intrinsic (pure) silicon or germanium to improve the conductivity of the semiconductor material.