1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Technical means involving the sorts of machines, processes, and materials that are used in industry, transport, and communications. □ …jobs that require technical knowledge. ● tech|ni|cal|ly /te kn I kli/ ADV [ADV adj] □ …the largest and most technically advanced furnace company in the world.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use technical to describe the practical skills and methods used to do an activity such as an art, a craft, or a sport. □ Their technical ability is exceptional. ● tech|ni|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ While her voice isn't technically brilliant, it has a quality which is unmistakable.
3 ADJ Technical language involves using special words to describe the details of a specialized activity. □ The technical term for sunburn is erythema.
4 → see also technically SYNONYMS technical ADJ 1
scientific: …scientific instruments.
technologicaclass="underline" …an era of very rapid technological change.
te ch|ni|cal col|lege (technical colleges ) N‑VAR [oft in names] In Britain, a technical college is a college where you can study arts and technical subjects, often as part of the qualifications and training required for a particular job.
tech|ni|cal|ity /te kn I kæ l I ti/ (technicalities )
1 N‑PLURAL The technicalities of a process or activity are the detailed methods used to do it or to carry it out. □ [+ of ] …the technicalities of classroom teaching.
2 N‑COUNT A technicality is a point, especially a legal one, that is based on a strict interpretation of the law or of a set of rules. □ The earlier verdict was overturned on a legal technicality.
tech|ni|cal|ly /te kn I kli/
1 ADV [ADV adj] If something is technically the case, it is the case according to a strict interpretation of facts, laws, or rules, but may not be important or relevant in a particular situation. □ Wild camping is technically illegal in England, Wales and Ireland.
2 → see also technical
te ch|ni|cal sup|po rt N‑UNCOUNT Technical support is a repair and advice service that some companies such as computer companies provide for their customers, usually by phone, fax, or email.
tech|ni|cian /tekn I ʃ ə n/ (technicians )
1 N‑COUNT A technician is someone whose job involves skilled practical work with scientific equipment, for example in a laboratory. □ …a laboratory technician.
2 N‑COUNT A technician is someone who is very good at the detailed technical aspects of an activity. □ …a versatile, veteran player, a superb technician.
Tech|ni|col|or /te kn I kʌlə r / The spelling technicolour is also used in British English for meaning 2 . 1 N‑UNCOUNT Technicolor is a system of colour photography used in making cinema films. [TRADEMARK ] □ …films in Technicolor.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use technicolor to describe real or imagined scenes when you want to emphasize that they are very colourful, especially in an exaggerated way. [INFORMAL ] □ I was seeing it all in glorious technicolour: mountains, valleys, lakes, summer sunshine. □ …technicolor dreams.
tech|nique ◆◆◇ /tekniː k/ (techniques )
1 N‑COUNT A technique is a particular method of doing an activity, usually a method that involves practical skills. □ …tests performed using a new technique.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Technique is skill and ability in an artistic, sporting, or other practical activity that you develop through training and practice. □ He went off to the Amsterdam Academy to improve his technique. SYNONYMS technique NOUN 1
method: …new teaching methods.
way: Freezing isn't a bad way of preserving food.
system: …a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.
approach: We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information.
procedure: A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure.
tech|no /te knoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Techno is a form of modern electronic music with a very fast beat.
PREFIX techno-
is used at the beginning of words that refer to technology. For example, a technophobe is someone who does not like new technology.
tech|noc|ra|cy /teknɒ krəsi/ (technocracies )
1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A technocracy is a group of scientists, engineers, and other experts who have political power as well as technical knowledge. □ …the power of the leading technocracy.
2 N‑COUNT A technocracy is a country or society that is controlled by scientists, engineers, and other experts. □ …a centralised technocracy.
tech|no|crat /te knəkræt/ (technocrats ) N‑COUNT A technocrat is a scientist, engineer, or other expert who is one of a group of similar people who have political power as well as technical knowledge.
tech|no|crat|ic /te knəkræ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Technocratic means consisting of or influenced by technocrats. □ …the current technocratic administration.
tech|no|logi|cal /te knəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Technological means relating to or associated with technology. □ …an era of very rapid technological change. ● tech|no|logi|cal|ly /te knəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □ …technologically advanced aircraft.
tech|nol|ogy ◆◆◇ /teknɒ lədʒi/ (technologies ) N‑VAR Technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. □ Technology is changing fast. □ They should be allowed to wait for cheaper technologies to be developed. ● tech|nolo|gist /teknɒ lədʒ I st/ (technologists ) N‑COUNT □ …the scientists and technologists that we will need for the future. COLLOCATIONS technology NOUN