Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Nanotechnology has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers (especially with the manipulation of individual molecules)
"Nanotechnology is a branch of engineering that focuses on manipulating individual molecules to create materials smaller than 100 nanometers."
The science and technology of creating nanoparticles and of manufacturing machines which have sizes within the range of nanometres.
"Nanotechnology involves the precise engineering of structures so small that they are measured in billionths of a meter, allowing scientists to build functional devices at an atomic scale."
In plain English: Nanotechnology is the science of building and manipulating extremely tiny structures at the atomic level to create new materials with special properties.
"Scientists are developing nanotechnology to create medicines that can target specific cells in the body."
Usage: Nanotechnology refers to the scientific field focused on manipulating matter at an atomic or molecular scale, typically involving structures between one and 100 nanometers in size. It is commonly used when discussing advanced materials, electronics, or medical devices that rely on these microscopic dimensions for unique properties.
The term combines the prefix nano- with technology to describe work at an extremely small scale. It entered common usage after being popularized by engineer Eric Drexler in 1986.