GlossaryGuide

Etym. technical (adj.) 1610s, “skilled in a particular art or subject,” formed in English from technic + al (1), or in part from Greek tekhnikos “of art; systematic,” in reference to persons “skillful, artistic,” from tekhne “art, skill, craft.” The sense narrowed to “having to do with the mechanical arts” (1727).

Etym. skills (n.) late 12c., “power of discernment,” from Old Norse skil “distinction, ability to make out, discernment, adjustment,” related to skilja (v.) “to separate; discern, understand,” from Proto-Germanic *skaljo- “divide, separate” (cognates: Swedish skäl “reason,” Danish skjel “a separation, boundary, limit,” Middle Low German schillen “to differ,” Middle Low German, Middle Dutch schele “separation, discrimination;.” Sense of “ability, cleverness” first recorded early 13c.

Definition

• A skill that is required for the accomplishment of a specific task.

• In health care, the knowledge, skill, and ability to accomplish a specific medical task; for example, inserting a chest tube or performing a physical examination.