DICTIONARY OF TECHNOLOGY
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This is my dictionary of important terms that are essential for understanding technology
The source of the dictionary is the following:
The American Heritage Dictionary Version 4.0 (C0226) Copyright 1995 SoftKey
International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used within Licence Agreement.
n. 1. The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological
substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes.
Applications include the production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk
foodstuffs as well as the bioconversion of organic waste and the use of genetically
altered bacteria in the cleanup of oil spills. 2. a. The application of the principles of
engineering and technology to the life sciences; bioengineering.
- CYBERNETICS n.
1. The theoretical study of communication and control processes in biological, mechanical,
and electronic systems, especially the comparison of these processes in biological and
- EVOLUTION n.
1. A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex
or better form. 2. a. The process of developing. b. Gradual development. 3. Biology
a. The theory that groups of organisms change with passage of time, mainly as a result of
natural selection, so that descendants differ morphologically and physiologically from
their ancestors. b. The historical development of a related group of organisms; phylogeny.
4. A movement that is part of a set of ordered movements.
ENGINEERING n. 1. Scientific alteration of the structure of genetic
material in a living organism. It involves the production and use of recombinant DNA and
has been employed to create bacteria that synthesize insulin and other human proteins. genetic
- INQUIRY n.
1. The act of inquiring. 2. A question; a query. 3. A close examination of a matter in a
search for information or truth.
- ORGANISM n.
1. An individual form of life, such as a plant, an animal, a bacterium, a protist, or a
fungus; a body made up of organs, organelles, or other parts that work together to carry
on the various processes of life. 2. A system regarded as analogous in its structure or
functions to a living body: the social organism.
- RELIGION n.
1. a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and
governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such
belief and worship. 2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order. 3. A set of
beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. 4. A cause, a
principle, or an activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
n. 1. a. The application of science, especially to industrial or commercial
objectives. b. The scientific method and material used to achieve a commercial or
industrial objective. 2. Anthropology The body of knowledge available to a
civilization that is of use in fashioning implements, practicing manual arts and skills,
and extracting or collecting materials.
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