Meanings
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1
noun
a small or specialized rule or detail that can have an important practical consequence
The case was dismissed on a legal technicality rather than on the evidence.
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2
noun
a specialized detail or term belonging to a particular subject, profession, or activity
The book explains the mathematical technicalities without assuming advanced training.
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3
noun
the quality or state of being technical
The lecture's technicality made it difficult for nonspecialists to follow.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from technical + -ity. Technical derives from Ancient Greek technikos ("of art or skill"), from techne ("art, craft, skill"). The common phrase "on a technicality" narrows the word to a procedural detail whose formal effect may outweigh its apparent importance.