technology
- 01 A2 Elementary
the use of science to solve problems or create useful tools.
the practical application of scientific knowledge in industry, engineering, or daily life. Often uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“Modern technology has changed the way we communicate with people around the world.”
In context“The rapid advancement of medical technology has significantly improved patient outcomes in rural clinics over the last decade.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field or concept in general.
Synonymsapplied scienceengineering - 02 A2 Elementary
the actual machines, computers, or equipment that result from scientific work.
the physical tools, machinery, or digital systems developed through the application of technical knowledge.
Simple“The office is full of new technology like high-speed scanners and 3D printers.”
In context“The company invested heavily in green technology to reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing facilities.”
UsageCan be used as a countable noun when referring to specific types or instances of technical systems.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a specific way of doing something or a skill that humans have invented.
any specialized method, skill, or mechanism developed to achieve a specific purpose, including those from pre-industrial eras.
Simple“The technology of ancient pottery allowed early humans to store food for longer periods.”
In context“Historians study the irrigation technology of the Mesopotamians to understand how they sustained such large urban populations.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
the study of how things are made or how tasks are completed.
the systematic study of or a collection of techniques and methods within a particular field.
Simple“The university offers a degree in the technology of textile production.”
In context“The treatise provides an exhaustive technology of glass-blowing as it was practiced in the eighteenth century.”
Synonyms
Usage technologies to preserve · advanced technology · communication technology
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek τεχνολογία (tekhnología, “systematic treatment (of grammar)”), from τέχνη (tékhnē, “art”) + -λογία (-logía, “study”). By surface analysis, techno- + -logy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.