engineered
EN-jih-neerd
/ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪərd/
Skilfully and deliberately arranged or constructed; (in biology) modified using genetic engineering.
Implies a high degree of precision and human intent, often contrasting with 'natural' or 'accidental'.
The story behind the word. Comes from the Latin 'ingenium,' meaning 'innate quality' or 'cleverness.' It eventually gave rise to 'engine' and 'engineer,' reflecting the cleverness required to build complex machines—or complex DNA.
Word relationships
- designed: Designed is general; engineered implies the application of scientific or technical principles.
- organic: In this context, organic implies something that developed naturally without synthetic intervention.
Commonly confused with
- manufactured: Manufactured usually refers to physical objects made in a factory; engineered refers to the planning and design behind them.
Word family
- engineer (noun): A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.
- engineering (noun): The branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.
Collocations
- genetically engineered
- carefully engineered
- engineered solution
Example sentences
- "The cotton plants were engineered to produce a toxin that is harmless to humans but deadly to bollworms." Discussion of pest-resistant crops.
- "The controversy felt carefully engineered to distract the public from the real environmental issues." Critique of a social situation.
Memory hook
An 'Engine' is a complex machine; an 'Engineered' plant is a complex biological machine. Built with precision.
When not to use
Don't use for things that happened by chance or through simple, unguided processes.
Fun facts
- The term 'genetic engineering' was first used by Jack Williamson in his science fiction novel 'Dragon's Island' in 1951.
Related words
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