There are two galaxies mentioned in the series. The Cyranus Galaxy is the Colonial�s home galaxy, which they leave within the first few episodes. They then enter the Krillian Galaxy. It is suggested that they enter another at the end of the series, but as they are in territory uncharted by the Colonials at that point, it is not named.
I suggest that the Cyranus Galaxy is Andromea, and the Krillian Galaxy is one those clustered close to Andromeda.
HEMO. Specifically, the Colonial medical term for blood. From the Greek haimo.
HOLOGRAPHY. Generally the science of generating dynamic three-dimensional images through the use of finely controlled lasers. Holography is thought by many to be the next frontier in visual display technologies. Specifically, we know that the technology is available to the Colonials, and indeed, for a people with such control of photons, it only makes sense. However they seem to utilize it for recreational purposes only (the holotank on Commander Cain�s desk in LL). This suggests issues with the technology that make it unsuitable, or at least unreliable, in space vehicles.
ION. Generally, a charged atom that has gained or lost one or more components. Specifically in Colonial usage, any ejected drive mass. From the Greek iOn, present participle of ienai meaning �to go (out).�
LARGE-SCALE TACTICAL DISPLAY. The displays located in a number of rooms in the Galactica, although specifically in the �war room� on the bridge. Due to the suspected issues with holography on board Colonial vessels, three-dimensional maps of a defined space must be represented in two dimensions.
LASER. Generally a euphemism for any coherent energy projected as a beam. More specifically (but still not in its original meaning), a laser is any coherent energy that demonstrates intensity gain via population inversion, meaning that the number of particles in the energy state of the product (be they photons, electrons, protons, etc.) must be higher than that of the particles in the energy state just below, allowing for stimulation without absorption, and thus a chain reaction of stimulation.
True lasers are made up of EM energy in the infrared through x-ray range, although it could be argued that masers (microwave lasers) should be included in the spectrum as well. Lasers do not have to be unidirectional�or focused. All a laser must do to be considered a laser is demonstrate intensity gain (this is important when considering what is seen in ET).
Lasers have a wide range of uses, and the Colonials utilize most of them. Holography uses lasers in the creation of three-dimensional imagery, as does 2D laser stimulated plasma imagry, which I suggest is the standard form of visual display in the fleet. Lasers are used in data storage and retrieval as well as data networking and communications (both inter- and intra-ship). Most surgical and tissue reconstruction devices in use by medical personnel aboard Colonial vessels make use of some form of laser. Construction, fabrication and maintenance tasks utilize different forms of laser cutters and welders. Most fleet propulsion systems and energizers utilize laser ignition in their pulse generators. Finally, lasers are utilized, in one form or another, in almost all Colonial weapons systems.
LEXON. The smallest base unit of mass measure. I suggest it is roughly equal to a gram. From the Greek lexis meaning �word�, which in turn leads to the Latin lex, meaning �law�.
LIFE MASK. A small, disposable mask that covers the nose and mouth of the user and supplies oxygen. The life mask has two small cylinders attached. I suggest that the left cylinder contains a cool-release, high-yield oxygen generation chemical. The heat of exhaled breath starts the oxygen release. The reaction does release some residual heat, and the cylinder gets warm to the touch, but not uncomfortably so. The other cylinder contains high-absorbency scrubber and moisture removal chemicals. The mask provides eight hours of support vapors at normal activity levels, and is discarded at the end of its usefulness.