The word `` nanotechnology '' was explained by Tokyo Science University Professor Norio Taniguchi in a 1974 paper . He said that nanotechnology was the work of changing materials by one atom or by one molecule . The term `` nanotechnology '' was defined by Tokyo University of Science Professor Norio Taniguchi in a 1974 paper as follows : '' ` Nano-technology ' mainly consists of the processing of , separation , consolidation , and deformation of materials by one atom or by one molecule . ''