INDUSTRY • noun: industry.

1. Economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories. “new investment incentives for British industry”. 2. An activity or domain in which a great deal of effort is expended. “the Shakespeare industry”. 3. Hard work. “the kitchen became a hive of industry”.

Synonyms: manufacturing, production, fabrication, construction, industriousness, diligence, assiduity, application, sedulousness, sedulity, conscientiousness, steadiness, tirelessness, persistence, pertinacity, perseverance, dedication, determination, rigour, rigorousness; activity, busyness, energy, vigour, effort, labour, dynamism, zeal, productiveness; archaic laboriousness, continuance; rare perseveration.

Origin: Late Middle English (in sense 2): from French ‘industrie’ or Latin industria ‘diligence’.