Polytechnic

Origin

1805, from French École Polytechnique, engineering school founded 1794 in Paris; from Greek polytekhnos "skilled in many arts," from polys "many" (see poly-) + tekhne "art" (see technic).

Full definition of polytechnic

Adjective

1. that teaches applied arts and sciences rather than academic subjects

Noun

1. An educational institute that teaches applied arts and sciences rather than academic subjects

Related terms

• institute of technology