technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life—or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.
The word technology is a combination of the Greek technē, which means “art, craft,” and logos, which means “word, speech.” It first appeared in English in the 17th century, and it has evolved through several meanings to its present-day sense.Key People: Robert SolowWilliam Fielding OgburnAnthony F.C. WallaceFrank Hamilton CushingEdwin Grant ConklinRelated Topics: history of technologycomputertextilemotion-picture technologymilitary technology
Technology is a vast and sprawling subject treated across articles too numerous to list here. What follows is a highly selective list of examples of how technology has changed our world—and how, in the 21st century, the speed of its development has only accelerated.