ESD

ElectroStatic Discharge. The spark that appears when touching metal or another mammal after shuffling across carpet in a non-humid climate. Can be extemely detrimental to electronic components. Common preventative measures include wearing an anti-static wrist strap and using ESD-safe tools when working inside an electronic enclosure.

Well designed electronic equipment, and that which has a CE label, must undergo static immunity testing to ensure that it continues to function in the presence of a static "hit".