polytechnic

[1805] From French polytechnique, from the École polytechnique, engineering school founded 1794 in Paris; from Greek πολύτεχνος "skilled in many arts," from πολύς "many" (see poly-) + τέχνη "art" (see technic).

polytechnic (comparative more polytechnic, superlative most polytechnic)

1. that teaches applied arts, sciences, technology, engineering and other academic subjects

polytechnic (plural polytechnics)

1. (Britain, dated) An educational institute that teaches applied arts and sciences rather than academic subjects.
2. (obsolete) An exhibition of objects illustrating many arts.

• (educational institute): professional university, vocational university, university of applied sciences

• institute of technology