technology
(the study and knowledge of) the practical, especially industrial, use of scientific discoveries
What this country needs is a long-term policy for investment in science and technology.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
technology
noun (no plural)
knowing about science and about how things work, and using this to build and make things:
science and technology
developments in computer technology
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
technology
tech‧nol‧o‧gy S2 W1 AC /tekˈnɒlədʒi $ -ˈnɑː-/ BrE AmE noun (plural technologies) [uncountable and countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑technology, ↑technologist, ↑techie; adverb: ↑technologically; adjective: ↑technological]
new machines, equipment, and ways of doing things that are based on modern knowledge about science and computers:
Modern technology makes moving money around much easier than it used to be.
Advances in technology have improved crop yields by over 30%.
There have been major new developments in satellite technology.
Many people are unwilling to embrace new technologies.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + technology
▪ new/modern technology People have no faith in new technology.
▪ the latest technology The boat is equipped with the latest technology.
▪ advanced technology The labs use advanced technology to study the function of various cells.
▪ computer technology the rapid development of computer technology in the 1950s and 1960s
▪ digital technology Digital technology is bringing the media and communications sectors together.
▪ medical technology The advance of medical technology has meant that more patients survive.
▪ military technology Military technology makes huge advances during wartime.
■ phrases
▪ advances/developments in technology Because of developments in technology, minicomputers can now do what mainframes did in the past.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
technology
tech·nol·ogy AW [technology technologies] [tekˈnɒlədʒi] [tekˈnɑːlədʒi] noun (pl. tech·nol·ogies)
1. uncountable, countable scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry, for example in designing new machines
• science and technology
• recent advances in medical technology
• to make use of the most modern technologies
see also high technology, information technology
2. uncountable machinery or equipment designed using technology
• The company has invested in the latest technology.
Derived Words: technological ▪ technologically
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from Greek tekhnologia ‘systematic treatment’, from tekhnē ‘art, craft’ + -logia (see -logy).
Example Bank:
• Telecommunications technology is developing fast.
• The company is investing heavily in new technologies.
• The technology already exists to do this.
• This technology enables computers to read handwriting.
• We need to exploit existing technologies more fully.
• We now have the technologies to transplant limbs.
• a car based on alternative technology
• a car engine based on technology developed for aeroplanes
• exploiting existing technologies more fully
• small businesses that are involved with emerging technologies
• the technology for the extraction of iron ore
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
technology / tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi / / -ˈnɑː.lə- / noun [ C or U ]
B1 (the study and knowledge of) the practical, especially industrial, use of scientific discoveries:
computer technology
Modern technology is amazing, isn't it?
What this country needs is a long-term policy for investment in science and technology.
→ See also biotechnology
Word partners for technology
develop / harness technology • have the technology to do sth • advanced / cutting-edge / modern / new technology • the latest technology
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
technology
/teknɒlədʒi/
(technologies)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes.
Technology is changing fast...
They should be allowed to wait for cheaper technologies to be developed.
N-VAR
• tech‧nolo‧gist (technologists)
...the scientists and technologists that we will need for the future.
N-COUNT
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
technology
tech·nol·o·gy /tɛkˈnɑːləʤi/ noun, pl -gies
1 [noncount] : the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems
• Recent advances in medical technology have saved countless lives.
• The company is on the cutting edge of technology.
2 : a machine, piece of equipment, method, etc., that is created by technology
[count]
• The government is developing innovative/advanced technologies to improve the safety of its soldiers.
• How can we apply this new technology to our everyday lives?
[noncount]
• The car has the latest in fuel-saving technology.
- tech·no·log·i·cal /ˌtɛknəˈlɑːʤɪkəl/ also US tech·no·log·ic /ˌtɛknəˈlɑːʤɪk/ adj
• Many technological advances/developments/changes in medicine have taken place over the past decade.
- tech·no·log·i·cal·ly /ˌtɛknəˈlɑːʤɪkli/ adv
• a technologically advanced society
• technologically savvy consumers
