Definition of industrial

The word "industrial" has its roots in the 16th-century Latin phrase "indus," meaning "India." This was because the East India Company, a British trading company, was one of the earliest and most prominent industrial enterprises in Europe. The company's activities in India and other parts of Asia led to the development of new manufacturing processes and technologies, which were then applied to other industries in Europe. Over time, the term "industrial" came to refer to any activity or sector related to manufacturing and production, rather than just the East India Company. In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution further cemented the term's association with machines, factories, and mass production. Today, "industrial" is used to describe a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and construction to energy and transportation.