polytechnic

Everyday

1. A college that teaches many practical and technical subjects, like engineering, building, computing and design, often to older students and adults. tree →
2. (UK) A kind of college that existed until 1992, when most polytechnics became universities. tree →
3. (adjective) Teaching many arts and sciences, especially technical ones: a polytechnic school. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk it is a place to learn a skilled job or a technical degree; «poly» is a short name for it in the UK, New Zealand and elsewhere. In history lessons it tells you about how colleges changed. Phrases: «go to the polytechnic», «polytechnic institute», «the local poly».

Examples

• My uncle studied engineering at a polytechnic. tree →
• In New Zealand some colleges were called polytechnics for many years. tree →
• The polytechnic teaches plumbing, cooking and computer design. tree →
• In 1992 most British polytechnics became universities. tree →
• Mum went to the poly to train as a nurse. tree →
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a famous college in the USA. tree →
• A polytechnic is good for people who like hands-on learning. tree →

Note

Countable: one polytechnic, two polytechnics. «Poly» is the informal short form (UK, NZ). From Greek «poly» (many) and «techne» (art, skill). Do not mix up with «polygon» (a shape with many sides); both start with «poly» meaning many.