ScienceJuly 14, 2026

nanoscience

/ˈneɪnoʊˌsaɪəns/

Definition

The branch of science concerned with the study, manipulation, and engineering of matter at the atomic or molecular scale.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'nanos' (dwarf) and the Latin 'scientia' (knowledge). It entered the English language in the late 20th century to describe the emerging field of research focused on extremely small-scale structures.

In the news

The term is mentioned as one of the specialized fields supported by the prestigious Kavli Prize, illustrating the foundation's broad commitment to funding high-level scientific research.

10 Philanthropic Funders Powering Space Science

Read the full article ↗

Inside Philanthropy

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.