technical

play

adjective tech·ni·cal \ˈtek-ni-kəl\

Definition of technical

1a : having special and usually practical knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject a technical consultantb : marked by or characteristic of specialization technical language
2a : of or relating to a particular subjectb : of or relating to a practical subject organized on scientific principles a technical schoolc : technological 1
3a : based on or marked by a strict or legal interpretationb : legal 6
4 : of or relating to technique
5 : of, relating to, or produced by ordinary commercial processes without being subjected to special purification technical sulfuric acid
6 : relating to or caused by the functioning of the market as a discrete mechanism not influenced by macroeconomic factors a technical rally

technically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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See technical defined for kids

Recent Examples of technical from the Web

Al Jazeera duly suspended its Egyptian arm, and after a temporary blackout, blamed on technical difficulties, briefly broadcast from London.

— The Economist, "To escape repression, critics are leaving the Gulf," 20 July 2017
True, the program can maintain technical solvency until 2034 (cold comfort to anyone 50 or younger today).

— michael tanner, National Review, "Entitlements Are Out of Control," 19 July 2017
The long-running sketch show tied for the most amount of nominations overall, with myriad hosts getting guest actor nods and lots of representation in technical categories.

— vanityfair.com, "2017 Emmy Nominations: This Year’s Biggest Snubs and Surprises," 13 July 2017
Philips said affected employees will get a comprehensive separation package and a limited number will be offered the chance to provide GTC replacement market service and technical support for Philips in North America.

— alexia elejalde-ruiz, chicagotribune.com, "Illinois companies, including Sam's Club and Sears, warn of more than 500 job losses in June," 10 July 2017
As medical procedures become more sophisticated and technical, doctors often subspecialize to focus on a particular organ or area: prostate surgery, pancreatic surgery, pelvic floor surgery, for example.

— trihealth, Cincinnati.com, "Know these 5 things before surgery," 3 July 2017
One reason it’s not played often is that many pianists may find the musical rewards not worth the daunting technical challenges.

— anthony tommasini, New York Times, "Listening to the Piece That Made Chopin’s Career," 30 June 2017
The race was sanctioned by USA Cycling, which sets race regulations and assigns officials, USA Cycling’s technical director Chuck Hodge said.

— joe robertson, kansascity.com, "Cyclist's death at KC race blamed on sharp-edged barriers," 30 June 2017
A decade ago, the limit was increased without an appropriate understanding of the risks, according to an NNSA technical bulletin in February.

— r. jeffrey smith, Science | AAAS, "Safety problems at a Los Alamos laboratory," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'technical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of technical

Greek technikos of art, skillful, from technē art, craft, skill; akin to Greek tektōn builder, carpenter, Latin texere to weave, Sanskrit takṣati he fashions

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First Known Use: 1617

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technical

noun tech·ni·cal

Definition of technical

basketball

: technical foul Knight walked to the scorer's table to continue his protest and was given the second technical and an automatic ejection from the game. — The New York Times

First Known Use of technical

1917

TECHNICAL Defined for Kids

technical

play

adjective tech·ni·cal \ˈtek-ni-kəl\

Definition of technical for Students

1 : having special knowledge especially of a mechanical or scientific subject a technical expert
2 : relating to a practical or scientific subject a technical book on electronics
3 : according to a strict explanation of the rules or facts a technical knockout in boxing

technically

adverb

Medical Dictionary

technical

play

adjective tech·ni·cal \ˈtek-ni-kəl\

Medical Definition of technical

1a: marked by or characteristic of specializationb: of or relating to a special field or subject
2: of or relating to technique a surgeon with great technical skill
3: of, relating to, or produced by ordinary commercial processes without being subjected to special purification technical sulfuric acid