technology
/tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
tekhnologia — systematic treatment of an art, craft, or skill
Overview
Meaning Now
- The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
- The machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge.
Literal older meaning
the study or systematic treatment of an art or craft
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
technologia
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The word originally referred to the systematic study of arts or crafts. In the 19th century, it shifted in meaning to encompass the practical application of scientific knowledge, largely driven by the Industrial Revolution.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
tekhnē
“art, craft, skill”
The root concept of craftsmanship.
- Ancient Greek
tekhnologia
“systematic treatment of a craft”
Added the suffix -logia for 'study of'.
- Latin
technologia
“systematic treatment of a craft”
Transliterated into Latin script.
- 17th century English
technology
“the study of arts”
Used initially to refer to the terminology of the arts.
Connections
Word parts
techno-
root
art, craft, or skill
-logy
suffix
the study or science of
Related across languages
French
technologie
technology
German
Technologie
technology
Explore next
Related to technology
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.