Engineering: meaning, definitions and examples

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engineering

 

[ ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

study of making structures and machines

Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials, and processes.

Synonyms

design, innovation, technology

Examples of usage

  • Engineering plays a crucial role in the development of new technologies.
  • Mechanical engineering focuses on the design and operation of machinery.
  • Civil engineering deals with the design and construction of infrastructure.
  • Biomedical engineering combines biology and engineering principles.
  • Software engineering involves the development of computer software.
Context #2 | Verb

to skillfully design or create something

To engineer means to skillfully design or create something with a specific purpose or outcome in mind. It involves planning, organizing, and implementing a solution to a problem or a need.

Synonyms

create, design, devise

Examples of usage

  • She engineered a new system for efficient energy production.
  • The team engineered a solution to improve communication within the company.
  • He is known for his ability to engineer creative solutions to complex problems.

Translations

Translations of the word "engineering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 engenharia

🇮🇳 अभियांत्रिकी

🇩🇪 Ingenieurwesen

🇮🇩 teknik

🇺🇦 інженерія

🇵🇱 inżynieria

🇯🇵 工学

🇫🇷 ingénierie

🇪🇸 ingeniería

🇹🇷 mühendislik

🇰🇷 공학

🇸🇦 الهندسة

🇨🇿 inženýrství

🇸🇰 inžinierstvo

🇨🇳 工程学

🇸🇮 inženirstvo

🇮🇸 verkfræði

🇰🇿 инженерия

🇬🇪 ინჟინერია

🇦🇿 mühəndislik

🇲🇽 ingeniería

Etymology

The term 'engineering' has roots in the Latin word 'ingenium', which means 'cleverness' or 'ingenuity'. Engineering as a discipline has evolved over centuries, with contributions from various civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant advancement in engineering practices. Today, engineering encompasses a wide range of fields and continues to be a driving force behind technological innovations and societal development.

See also: engine, engineer.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,698, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.