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definitions

engineering

[en-juh-neer-ing]
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noun

the art or science of making practical application of the knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants.
the action, work, or profession of an engineer.
Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems: computer engineering; software engineering.
skillful or artful contrivance; maneuvering.

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RELATED WORDS

construction, manufacturing, planning, design, architecture, metallurgy, building, handling, systematization, organization, implementing, organizing, structure, blueprinting, structures, surveying

Nearby words

  1. engine room,
  2. engine turning,
  3. engineer,
  4. engineer officer,
  5. engineer's chain,
  6. engineering geology,
  7. engineman,
  8. enginery,
  9. engird,
  10. engirdle

Origin of engineering

First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing1
Related formsnon·en·gi·neer·ing, noun, adjectivepre·en·gi·neer·ing, adjective

engineer

[en-juh-neer]

noun

a person trained and skilled in the design, construction, and use of engines or machines, or in any of various branches of engineering: a mechanical engineer; a civil engineer.
a person who operates or is in charge of an engine.
Also called locomotive engineer. Railroads. a person who operates or is in charge of a locomotive.
a member of an army, navy, or air force specially trained in engineering work.
Digital Technology. a person skilled in the design and programming of computer systems: a software engineer; a web engineer.
a skillful manager: a political engineer.

verb (used with object)

to plan, construct, or manage as an engineer: He's engineered several big industrial projects.
to design or create using the techniques or methods of engineering: The motor has been engineered to run noiselessly.
to arrange, manage, or carry through by skillful or artful contrivance: He certainly engineered the election campaign beautifully.

Origin of engineer

1350–1400; engine + -eer; replacing Middle English engin(e)our < Anglo-French engineor Old French engigneor < Medieval Latin ingeniātor, equivalent to ingeniā(re) to design, devise (verbal derivative of ingenium; see engine) + Latin -tor -tor
Related formssub·en·gi·neer, nounun·en·gi·neered, adjectivewell-en·gi·neered, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for engineering

British Dictionary definitions for engineering

engineering

noun

the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc (mechanical engineering), buildings, bridges, roads, etc (civil engineering), electrical machines and communication systems (electrical engineering), chemical plant and machinery (chemical engineering), or aircraft (aeronautical engineering)See also military engineering

engineer

noun

a person trained in any branch of the profession of engineering
the originator or manager of a situation, system, etc
a mechanic; person who repairs or services machines
US and Canadian the driver of a railway locomotive
an officer responsible for a ship's engines
Informal name: sapper a member of the armed forces, esp the army, trained in engineering and construction work

verb (tr)

to originate, cause, or plan in a clever or devious mannerhe engineered the minister's downfall
to design, plan, or construct as a professional engineer

Word Origin for engineer

C14: enginer, from Old French engigneor, from engignier to contrive, ultimately from Latin ingenium skill, talent; see engine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for engineering
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for engineering

engineering

[ĕn′jə-nîr′ĭng]

The application of science to practical uses such as the design of structures, machines, and systems. Engineering has many specialities such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.