Ĕn'/gi-neer'/ing, n.

n. The science and the art of utilizing the forces and materials of nature.

In a comprehensive sense, engineering includes architecture as a mechanical art, in distinction from architecture as a fine art; chemistry as applied in connection with applied mechanics; transportation, including the building and propulsion of ships and other vehicles, docks, roads, bridges, canals, and public works generally; defense and offense, in the military and naval sense; water-works; gas-lighting; the preparation of materials; machinery; manufacturing, &c. It is divided into military and civil engineering, the former being, strictly, the science and art of designing and constructing defensive and offensive works, while civil engineering is the science and art of designing and constructing machinery and public works, such as roads and canals. Civil engineering refers, according to modern usage, strictly to the construction of fixed public works, such as railways, canals, aqueducts, bridges, light-houses, docks, embankments, breakwaters, dams, sewers, tunnels, &c. Mechanical engineering refers strictly to machinery, such as steam engines, machine tools, mill work, &c. Engineering is further divided into steam engineering, hydraulic engineering, gas engineering, agricultural engineering, topographical engineering, &c.