# nanotechnology

/ˌnænoʊˌtɛkˈnɑɫəˌdʒi/ (US) · /nˌænəʊtɛknˈɒlədʒi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nanotechnology
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

the science of building things at a very tiny scale, using individual atoms and molecules. It is used to create new materials and smaller, faster electronics.

For teachers: the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometres, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. Often involves the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale.

## Examples

- Scientists use nanotechnology to create stronger and lighter materials.
- Advances in nanotechnology have allowed medical researchers to develop targeted drug delivery systems that only attack cancer cells.
- The integration of nanotechnology into semiconductor manufacturing has enabled the production of processors with billions of transistors, drastically increasing computing power while reducing energy consumption.

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