technology

[tek-nol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

technologies 

1. the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.

2. the application of this knowledge for practical ends.

3. the terminology of an art, science, etc.; technical nomenclature.

4. a scientific or industrial process, invention, method, or the like.

5. the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization.

technology

/ tɛkˈnɒlədʒɪ, ˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the application of practical sciences to industry or commerce

2. the methods, theory, and practices governing such application

   a highly developed technology

3. the total knowledge and skills available to any human society for industry, art, science, etc

technology

1. The use of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems, especially in industry and commerce.

2. The specific methods, materials, and devices used to solve practical problems.

Other Word Forms

• antitechnology noun
• supertechnology noun
• technological adjective
• technologist noun
• technologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of technology¹

First recorded in 1605–15, technology is from the Greek word technología systematic treatment. See techno-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of technology¹

C17: from Greek tekhnologia systematic treatment, from tekhnē art, skill

Example Sentences

A growing share of business costs today has little to do with materials, labor, or technology—and everything to do with legal strategy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

U.S. criminal investigators based in Poland, Germany and Ukraine look into any “allegations of fraud, corruption and potential diversion of weapons and technology,” according to a recent Congressional report.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Operating these new technologies were an army of young women clad in tailor-mades, or coordinating jackets and skirts, and easy-to-launder cotton shirtwaists, or blouses—all early triumphs of New York’s nascent ready-to-wear industry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

US technology giant Meta, which owns the messaging service, did not immediately comment.

Read more on Barron's

Here is a look at the 10 technology companies that have reduced their share counts the most over the past 10 years.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• automation 
• machinery