Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers (nm) . At this scale, surface area and quantum mechanical effects become important in describing properties of matter. The definition of nanotechnology is inclusive of all types of research and technologies that deal with these special properties. Here are some key points about nanotechnology:

• Definition: Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science and engineering devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, i.e. having one or more dimensions of the order of 100 nanometres (100 millionth of a millimetre) or less.

• History: The term "nano-technology" was first used by Norio Taniguchi in 1974, and the concept was introduced by physicist Richard Feynman in a 1959 talk titled "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom".

• Applications: Nanotechnology has a wide range of applications, such as electronics, medicine, energy, textiles, and more. Nanotechnology can be used to create materials, devices, and systems with unique properties and functions. The very small size of the materials allows them to exhibit different physical and chemical properties than the same materials at a larger scale. Due to their small size, nanomaterials have a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which can lead to increased reactivity, strength, and conductivity.

• Risks: There is potential for nanotechnology to disrupt traditional industries, and occupational health risks associated with manufacturing and using nanomaterials are not yet clearly understood.

In summary, nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, and it has a wide range of applications in various fields.