engineering
/ˌɛn.dʒɪˈnɪə.rɪŋ/
noun
Origin
Latin
ingenium — natural ability, innate quality, genius, or a clever device
Overview
Meaning Now
- The application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials, and processes.
- The art or profession of a practical engineer.
Literal older meaning
the work of a siege engine operator
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
enginerie
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originally referred exclusively to military engineers—those who designed siege engines or fortifications. It was not until the 18th century, specifically with the rise of the Industrial Revolution, that 'civil engineering' emerged to distinguish civilian work from traditional military engineering.
Evolution
- Latin
ingenium
“innate genius or invention”
The foundation for words relating to inventiveness.
- Old French
engin
“a mechanical device or engine of war”
Shifted from the abstract quality to the physical tool.
- Middle English
engine
“a siege engine or mechanical apparatus”
- 18th century
engineering
“the practice of designing and building structures”
Expansion from military fortifying to civil infrastructure.
Connections
Word parts
engine
root
a mechanical device or structure
-eer
suffix
one who works with or manages
-ing
suffix
the act or process of
Related across languages
French
ingénieur
engineer
Italian
ingegnere
engineer
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.