/ ˌmænjuˈfæktʃə(r); NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to make goods in large quantities, using machinery
SYN mass-produce :
manufactured goods
2.
to invent a story, an excuse, etc. :
a news story manufactured by an unscrupulous journalist
3.
( technical ) to produce a substance :
Vitamins cannot be manufactured by our bodies.
■ noun
1.
[ U ] the process of producing goods in large quantities
SYN mass production :
the manufacture of cars
2.
manufactures [ pl. ] ( technical ) manufactured goods :
a major importer of cotton manufactures
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (as noun, denoting something made by hand): from French (re-formed by association with Latin manu factum made by hand), from Italian manifattura . The verb dates from the mid 17th cent.