The following list contains terminology used in the rcdb and their respective definitions. Click on any term's title for more options related to the term.
4th Dimension - a coaster with cars that spin on a horizontal axis.
Enclosed - a roller coaster built inside a structure intended solely for the ride. This structure often imparts a theme or houses special effects.
Indoor - a roller coaster built inside a structure unrelated to the ride.
Möbius - The two tracks are continuous forming a single circuit or 'Moebius Loop'.
Shuttle - a roller coaster traveling to the end of its track and returning in the opposite direction. A shuttle roller coaster's track contains a beginning and end, unlike a traditional roller coaster which forms a continuous circuit.
Twin - a roller coaster with two tracks. The tracks often follow a similar course, allowing the trains to race with each other.
Powered Coaster - a roller coaster that is electrically powered throughout the entire ride.
Bobsled - designed like a bobsled run -- without a fixed track. The train travels freely through a trough.
Flying - a roller coaster ridden while parallel with the track.
Inverted - a roller coaster which uses trains traveling beneath, rather than on top of, the track. Unlike a suspended roller coaster, an inverted roller coaster's trains are rigidly attached to the track.
Pipeline - a coaster where riders are positioned between the rails instead of above or below.
Sit Down - a traditional roller coaster ridden while sitting down.
Stand Up - a coaster ridden while standing up instead of sitting down.
Suspended - a roller coaster using trains which travel beneath the track and pivot on a swinging arm from side to side, exaggerating the track's banks and turns.
Extreme - This ride classification entry is a under development and searches for it will be incomplete.
Family - a small roller coaster designed for young riders, but adults may comfortably ride also.
Kiddie - a small roller coaster designed solely for children.
Thrill - This ride classification entry is a under development and searches for it will be incomplete.
Cyclone - roller coaster whose track layout is designed after the legendary Coney Island Cyclone.
Double Figure Eight - Figure eights are side-by-side.
Wild Mouse - rides using single-car trains on a track with very tight turns. The cars' wheels are positioned closer to the rear of the car than a traditional coaster. The front of the car travels past the turn before changing directions, giving the sensation that the car will fall off the track
Steel - a roller coaster with track consisting of steel tubes or rails. Occasionally steel roller coasters will use wood structures to support the steel track, this does not have an affect on its steel status.
Wood - a roller coaster with track consisting of layers of wood. Occasionally wooden roller coasters will use steel structures to support the wooden track, this does not have an affect on its wooden status.