What does CAD stand for in the context of engineering design?

In the context of engineering design, CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. This refers to the use of computer software to create, modify, analyze, or optimize a design. CAD software allows engineers and designers to create precise drawings and technical illustrations, significantly enhancing productivity, improving the quality of designs, and enabling better collaboration among team members.

Using CAD, engineers can create 2D or 3D models, visualize how parts fit together, perform simulations to assess how designs will function in real-world scenarios, and generate accurate documentation for manufacturing processes. This technology has transformed the engineering design process, making it more efficient and effective compared to traditional manual drafting methods.

The other options, while they may sound plausible in different contexts, do not accurately reflect the commonly accepted definition of CAD in engineering.