What does "nanotechnology" mean?
The science and technology of creating nanoparticles and of manufacturing machines which have sizes within the range of nanometres (1–100 nm).
Nanotechnology
/ˌnænoʊtɛkˈnɑləd͡ʒi/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The science and technology of creating nanoparticles and of manufacturing machines which have sizes within the range of nanometres (1–100 nm).
- Grammar: nanotechnology is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: interdisciplinary field, multidisciplinary science, nanoenabled, nanoenabled products.
- Useful contrasts: conventional products, macro technology, macro technology products.
- Usage evidence: The digital information in DNA is only part of a complex information-processing system, an advanced form of nanotechnology that mirrors and excels our own in its complexity, storage density, and logic of design.
How to use "nanotechnology"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nanotechnology" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nanotechnology" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nanotechnology" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "nanotechnology" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nanotechnology" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "interdisciplinary field" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "nanotechnology", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The science and technology of creating nanoparticles and of manufacturing machines which have sizes within the range of nanometres (1–100 nm). countable, uncountable
"The first such review would also include a study of whether it is feasible to create nanoscale devices that can assemble themselves or copies of themselves molecule by molecule -- a subject of fierce debate among nanotechnology experts."
- 2 the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers (especially with the manipulation of individual molecules) wordnet
Synonyms
All synonyms interdisciplinary fieldmultidisciplinary sciencenanoenablednanoenabled productsnanoengineerednanoengineered devices
Antonyms
Example
"The digital information in DNA is only part of a complex information-processing system, an advanced form of nanotechnology that mirrors and excels our own in its complexity, storage density, and logic of design."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nanotechnology"?
Common synonyms include: interdisciplinary field, multidisciplinary science, nanoenabled, nanoenabled products, nanoengineered, nanoengineered devices.
How do you use "nanotechnology" in a sentence?
The digital information in DNA is only part of a complex information-processing system, an advanced form of nanotechnology that mirrors and excels our own in its complexity, storage density, and logic of design.
How do you pronounce "nanotechnology"?
Pronounced /ˌnænoʊtɛkˈnɑləd͡ʒi/.
Etymology
From nano- + technology. Popularized in 1986 by Eric Drexler.