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technical

adj. · n.
US //ˈtɛknɪkəɫ// UK //tˈɛknɪkəl// tech·ni·cal
  1. 1 specialized knowledge (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    relating to a specific subject, art, or craft that needs special knowledge to understand.

    relating to a particular subject, art, or craft, or its techniques; often implies a level of specialization beyond general knowledge.

    Example

    The manual was full of technical words that I didn't understand.

    Example

    The report provides a highly technical analysis of the structural failures, requiring a background in civil engineering to fully comprehend.
  2. 2 related to technology (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    relating to machines, computers, and science.

    relating to or involving technology, especially in an industrial or scientific context.

    Example

    We are having some technical problems with the website today.

    Example

    The company is seeking a candidate with strong technical skills to manage their new cloud computing infrastructure.
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  1. 3 strict rules (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    following the exact rules of something, even if it doesn't seem practical.

    according to a strict interpretation of such rules or facts; often used to contrast a formal truth with a practical reality.

    Example

    It was a technical win because the other team arrived five minutes late.

    Example

    Although he is the technical owner of the property, his sister has managed all the financial responsibilities for decades.
  2. 4 armed vehicle (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a pickup truck with a large gun attached to the back.

    an improvised fighting vehicle, typically a civilian pickup truck modified with a mounted machine gun or anti-aircraft gun.

    Example

    The soldiers drove a technical through the desert to guard the border.

    Example

    The militia relied heavily on light technicals for mobility across the rugged terrain where heavy tanks could not pass.
    • gun truck
  3. 5 sports penalty (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    a foul in basketball for breaking rules that don't involve physical contact.

    a technical foul; a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or administrative violations rather than physical contact during play.

    Example

    The coach got a technical for shouting at the referee.

    Example

    The point guard was assessed a technical after throwing the ball against the stanchion in frustration.
Origin

From Late Latin technicus + -al, from Ancient Greek τεχνικός (tekhnikós), from τέχνη (tékhnē, “skill”). For the late 20th-century origin of the noun sense (vehicle), see Wikipedia.

Word family

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