loading

noun4

1. •
   The process by which something is loaded.

   • The loading of hazardous cargoes is not permitted.
2. •
   A load, especially in the engineering and electrical engineering senses of force exerted, or electrical current or power supplied.

   • I need to recheck the loadings on the external walls.
   • The loading on the generators peaks during the early evening.
3. •
   (Australia) An increased rate of pay given to an employee in order to compensate for specified non-standard working conditions, or a lack of specific other benefits. For example, an employee paid a casual loading is paid more than an equivalent full-time or part-time employee's rate, to compensate for a lack of benefits such as sick leave or annual leave.

   • The position advertised a $40 per hour rate, inclusive of the casual loading.
   • The salary package also included 30% shift loading to compensate for the long hours.
4. •
   A weighting or bias.

   • We may note with some surprise that the hysteria scale has a positive loading on this factor, i.e. is situated towards the normal rather than the neurotic end. — 2013