Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Polytechnic \Pol`y*tech"nic\ (p[o^]l`[i^]*t[e^]k"n[i^]k), a.
[Gr. poly`technos; poly`s many + te`chnh an art: cf. F.
polytechnique.]
Comprehending, or relating to, many arts and sciences; --
applied particularly to schools in which many branches of art
and science are taught with especial reference to their
practical application; as, a polytechnic institute; also to
exhibitions of machinery and industrial products.
[1913 Webster]