The definition of nanotechnology differs in literature considerably.
Most formal definitions of nanotechnology revolve around the study and control of phenomena and materials at length scales below 100 nm, whereas informal definitions almost always make a comparison with a human hair, which is about 80,000 nm wide. (Nature)
Nanotechnology is the study of phenomena and fine-tuning of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale. (The Foresight Institute)
“Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.”(European commission)
It can be defined as the science and engineering involved in design, synthesis, characterization and application of materials and devices whose smallest functional organization in at least one dimension is on the nanometer scale. (Silva G A)
The ability to work at the atomic, molecular and supramolecular levels (on a scale between 1~100 nm) in order to understand, create and use material structure, devices and systems with fundamentally new properties and functions resulting from there small structure. (Craighead.H)
Nanotechnology involves the design and synthesis of devices and material at atomic level as well as to control their properties and functionality for favorable response (Robert Langer)
An operational definition of nanotechnology involves three ingredients: (1) nanoscale sizes in the device or its crucial components; (2) the man-made nature; and (3) having properties that only arise because of the nanoscopic dimensions.(Mauro Ferrari)
