polytechnic

UK: /ˌpɒliˈtɛknɪk/ US: /ˌpɑliˈtɛknɪk/ ,(pol′ē tek′nik)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pol•y•tech•nic /ˌpɑliˈtɛknɪk/   adj. 

1. of or relating to instruction in a variety of industrial arts, applied sciences, or technical subjects.

n. [countable]

2. a school providing instruction in such subjects.

See -techn-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pol•y•tech•nic  (pol′ē tek′nik), adj. 

1. of, pertaining to, or offering instruction in a variety of industrial arts, applied sciences, or technical subjects:
   a polytechnic institute.

n. 

2. a school or other institution in which instruction in technical subjects is given.

• poly- + technic, modeled on French polytechnique 1795–1805

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

polytechnic / ˌpɒlɪˈtɛknɪk/ noun

1. (in New Zealand and formerly in Britain) a college offering advanced full- and part-time courses, esp vocational courses, in many fields at and below degree standard

adjective

1. of or relating to technical instruction and training

Etymology: 19th Century: via French from Greek polutekhnos skilled in many arts. See technic