engineering
Applied science discipline
Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
Civil engineering deals with infrastructure; mechanical with machines; electrical with circuits and power; software with computer systems.
The verb engineer means to design or construct, or more broadly to bring something about through skillful planning: She engineered a meeting between the two rivals.
An engineer is a practitioner of the field, or someone who operates an engine—particularly a locomotive.
Detailed technical drawing
- CADTechnical drawing technology
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
specifications · modeling · rendering · sketch · ergonomics · conceptualization · user-centered · usability
Imitation of real processes
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- kinematicsStudy of movement itself
- dynamicsStudy of forces
aerodynamics · computational · validation · calibration · modeling · algorithm · vibration
Systematic fault diagnosis
- debuggingError removal from programs
- root-causeFundamental origin of problem
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
iteration · workaround · constraint · trade-off · feasibility · testing · redesign
Operated by machinery
- civilMinimally polite
- electricalInvolving conducted current
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
- aerospaceAtmosphere plus outer void
biomedical · software · structural · environmental · industrial · nuclear · automotive · marine
Sudden important advance
- inventionNew device or method
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- patentObvious; inventor's monopoly
R&D · iteration · improvement · prototyping · proof-of-concept · feasibility · development · cutting-edge
Underlying support structure
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
- craneLifter or wader
- girderMain structural support beam
- weldingHeat-fusing metal pieces
rebar · piling · mortar · masonry · surveying · truss · beam · hardhat
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- instrumentationDesign of measuring devices
gauging · micrometer · metrology · specifications · standardization · reproducibility · testing · verification
blueprint
Detailed technical drawing
- CADTechnical drawing technology
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
- draftingCreating technical blueprints
prototype · specifications · modeling · rendering · sketch · ergonomics · conceptualization · user-centered · usability · functionality
simulation
Imitation of real processes
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- kinematicsStudy of movement itself
dynamics · aerodynamics · computational · validation · calibration · modeling · algorithm · vibration
troubleshooting
Systematic fault diagnosis
- debuggingError removal from programs
- root-causeFundamental origin of problem
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
optimization · iteration · workaround · constraint · trade-off · feasibility · testing · redesign
mechanical
Operated by machinery
- civilMinimally polite
- electricalInvolving conducted current
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
aerospace · biomedical · software · structural · environmental · industrial · nuclear · automotive · marine · petroleum
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
- inventionNew device or method
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
patent · R&D · iteration · improvement · prototyping · proof-of-concept · feasibility · development · cutting-edge · disruption
foundation
Underlying support structure
- scaffoldingTemporary exterior work platform
- craneLifter or wader
- girderMain structural support beam
welding · rebar · piling · mortar · masonry · surveying · truss · beam · hardhat · excavation
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- measurementDetermining size or amount
instrumentation · gauging · micrometer · metrology · specifications · standardization · reproducibility · testing · verification · compliance
- Arts & Sciencescreativity, music, painting, sculpture, literature
- fields of studyart, music, mathematics, history, biology
- STEMscience, mathematics, math, technology, chemistry
- academic fieldsmathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, history
- Applied Sciencesmedicine, computer science, biotechnology, pharmacology, robotics
- disciplinesbiology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology
engineeringdestruction
Act of completely ruining
destroying · demolition · dismantling · sabotage · wrecking
engineeringtheoretical physics
Nature explained through equations
pure mathematics · pure science · basic research · philosophy of science · metaphysics
engineeringnature
Inherent quality or disposition
organic growth · natural processes · spontaneous generation · chance · randomness
- genetic engineeringDeliberate DNA modification
- civil engineeringPublic structure construction field
- reverse engineeringAnalyzing something to understand construction
- engineering marvelsExceptional constructed achievements
- German engineeringPrecision manufacturing tradition
- electrical engineeringStudy of circuits and power
bioengineering, civil engineering, reengineering, genetic engineering, social engineering, chemical engineering, software engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering