# MOS

/ˈmɔs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mos
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. electronics technology

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A type of technology used to make computer chips and other electronic parts.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Metal Oxide Semiconductor. A technology used in the fabrication of integrated circuits, particularly for transistors in digital logic.

- The new processor uses advanced MOS technology to save battery life.
- The transition to complementary MOS technology allowed for significantly lower power consumption in portable computing devices compared to earlier designs.

### 2. military job

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Technical

Stands for Military Occupational Specialty. The specific job or role a person has in the army or military.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Military Occupational Specialty. A code or title used to identify a specific job or career field within the armed forces.

- After basic training, he was assigned to a new MOS in communications.
- Recruits are often selected for a specific MOS based on their performance in aptitude tests and the current operational needs of the service.

### 3. filming without sound

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

used to describe a film scene that is recorded without any sound.

For teachers: referring to a film sequence recorded without a synchronous audio track. Often used as a direction on a script or slate.

- The director decided to shoot the walking scene MOS to save time.
- The second unit captured several MOS shots of the city streets to be used as background texture during the montage sequence.

Usage: Usually placed after the verb or used as a label on a film slate.

Teaching tip: Legend says this stands for 'Mit Ohne Sound' (with without sound), a joke about German directors in early Hollywood, though its true origin is debated.

## Examples

- We filmed the exterior shots MOS to save time.
- The director decided to shoot the background crowd scenes MOS since the dialogue would be dubbed in post-production anyway.
- While the lead actors performed their lines live, the second unit captured several MOS inserts of the surrounding architecture to establish the film's atmospheric setting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.