Factory Meaning and Definition
Factory
Pronunciation
/ˈfæk.tɔri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A factory is a building or place where goods are made, produced, manufactured, or assembled on a large scale using machinery or manual labor.
Examples
1. “The factory produced thousands of units of the new smartphone within a week.”
2. “The city’s industrial sector has transformed into a combination of old factories and new startups.”
Synonyms
1. Manufacturing plant
2. Industrial facility
Antonyms
1. Handmade product
2. Artisanal goods
Etymology
The word factory comes from the Latin word “factoria,” which means “place of making or production.” In the 14th century, the term was introduced to English and referred to a place where materials were processed or manufactured.
Additional Information
Factories are a crucial part of modern industrial society, providing jobs and economic growth. With the rise of automation and technology, factories have become more efficient and productive. However, they also raise concerns about worker safety, environmental impact, and labor rights. Different types of factories include textile mills, steel plants, food processing facilities, and assembly lines. Factories can be found in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics. The management and organization of factories involve strategies for production, quality control, and supply chain management.
The growth of e-commerce has led to the rise of online marketplaces and digital factories, which enable remote production and distribution. Factories have also become more specialized, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. New technologies, such as 3D printing and robotics, are transforming the way factories operate, increasing productivity and efficiency.
From a historical perspective, factories originated in the Industrial Revolution and played a significant role in shaping modern society. The development of factories led to changes in urban planning, transportation, and social structures. Today, factories are an integral part of the global economy, and their evolution continues to impact the world of work and commerce.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Assembly line worker”
2. “Factory-made goods”
Usage Notes
The word “factory” is often used in different contexts, such as:
1. Referring to the physical building or place of production.
2. Describing the type of goods produced, such as “factory-made shoes.”
3. Using it as a metaphor for a place of creation or innovation, such as “a factory for creativity.”
Cultural References
The term “factory” has been referenced in various forms of media, such as:
1. “2001: A Space Odyssey” (film) – the movie explores the theme of human evolution and industrialization, featuring a factory-like atmosphere.
2. “The Wire” (TV series) – the show portrays the struggles of working-class people in a factory setting.
Collocations
1. “Factory worker”
2. “Factory output”
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “factory” is used in approximately 1.3% of all texts in the English language, making it a moderately common term.
Common Misspellings
1. “Factery”
2. “Factorys”