0 the period of time during which work began to be done more by machines in factories than by hand at home --
1 a period in which the development of machinery leads to major changes in agriculture, industry, transportation, and social conditions, esp. the Industrial Revolution in England in the 18th century --
2 the period of time during the 18th and 19th centuries in which work began to be done more by machines in factories than by hand at home: --
The earliest cranes were constructed from wood, but cast iron and steel took over with the coming of the Industrial Revolution.
3 any period of time during which there is a lot of growth in industry or in a particular industry: --
The internet is driving an industrial revolution in which a lot of businesses are going to make a great pile of money.
Investors are betting on a "second industrial revolution."
In the 19th century the invention of the steam engine and steam turbine helped power the Industrial Revolution.
In the 18th century, British canals were a key part of the Industrial Revolution.
Finally, steam power, the key to the Industrial Revolution, also used the wheel.
