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noun

nanotechnology

na-noh-tehk-NAH-luhd-zhee

Nanotechnology (noun) means the branch of science and engineering dealing with structures and machines built at the scale of atoms and molecules. Example: “Nanotechnology is used to develop more precise drug-delivery systems.”

noun
1
The branch of science and engineering dealing with structures and machines built at the scale of atoms and molecules.
"Nanotechnology is used to develop more precise drug-delivery systems."

How to use nanotechnology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBuilding and working with materials and devices at an incredibly tiny, near-atomic scale.

Word forms

nanotechnologies plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is used to develop more precise drug-delivery systems.

Etymology

From nano- plus technology; the term was popularised in 1986 by engineer Eric Drexler.

· First attested 1986

Class of 1986 nanotechnology joined the language around 1986.
See the full Class of 1986 →

Rhymes for nanotechnology

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nanotechnology” mean?

The word “nanotechnology” means the branch of science and engineering dealing with structures and machines built at the scale of atoms and molecules. In plain terms, building and working with materials and devices at an incredibly tiny, near-atomic scale.

How do you pronounce “nanotechnology”?

“Nanotechnology” is pronounced na-noh-tehk-NAH-luhd-zhee (/ˌnænoʊtɛkˈnɑləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).

How do you use “nanotechnology” in a sentence?

Here is “nanotechnology” used in a sentence: “Nanotechnology is used to develop more precise drug-delivery systems.”

What part of speech is “nanotechnology”?

“Nanotechnology” is a noun.

Where does the word “nanotechnology” come from?

The word “nanotechnology” dates back to around 1986. From nano- plus technology; the term was popularised in 1986 by engineer Eric Drexler.

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