P

panel

One of the dozen or so windows that let you set properties for a selected object onscreen. Examples include the Properties panel and the Align panel.

panning

An effect that makes a sound seem to move from left to right (or right to left). Also refers to changing the camera's view, which you can simulate in Flash.

parameter

Additional details that you provide when triggering certain ActionScript code. For example, stop() needs no parameters but gotoAndStop() needs to know which frame number you want to go to.

placeholder

A temporary graphic that holds the place for the final artwork and that you use while waiting for the artwork to get created.

populate

The process of filling data into a table.

property

A characteristic that describes visual and other attributes at any give time. For example, a clip has an _alpha property, and a sound that's playing has a position property.

pseudo-code

Instructions written in your own words. A good process is to start with pseudo code and then translate to real ActionScript.