polytechnic

 
Pronunciation: /ˌpɒlɪˈtɛknɪk/

noun

  • an institution of higher education offering courses at degree level or below, especially in vocational subjects.

Origin:

early 19th century: from French polytechnique, from Greek polutekhnos, from polu- 'many' + tekhnē 'art'

In Britain the term polytechnic has largely dropped out of use. In 1989 British polytechnics gained autonomy from local education authorities and in 1992 were able to call themselves universities.