polytechnic

First attested in 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).

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polytechnic (not comparable)

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

polytechnic (plural polytechnics)

1. (UK, dated) An educational institute that teaches applied arts and sciences rather than academic subjects.
2. (obsolete) An exhibition of objects illustrating many arts.
3. (Singapore) A three-year post-secondary vocational training institute, equivalent of community college in the U.S. or TAFE in Australia.

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

• institute of technology