Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.
  • noun The profession of or the work performed by an engineer.
  • noun Skillful maneuvering or direction.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The art of constructing and using engines or machines; the art of executing civil or military works which require a special knowledge or use of machinery, or of the principles of mechanics. Abbreviated engineering
  • noun Careful management; manœuvering.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun Originally, the art of managing engines; in its modern and extended sense, the art and science by which the properties of matter are made useful to man, whether in structures, machines, chemical substances, or living organisms; the occupation and work of an engineer. In the modern sense, the application of mathematics or systematic knowledge beyond the routine skills of practise, for the design of any complex system which performs useful functions, may be considered as engineering, including such abstract tasks as designing software (software engineering).

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of engineer.
  • noun the application of science to the needs of humanity
  • noun the work of an engineer
  • noun the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to use economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.
  • noun the area aboard a ship where the engine is located

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems
  • noun a room (as on a ship) in which the engine is located
  • noun the practical application of science to commerce or industry

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

engineer +‎ -ing

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