technology
  1. n. The application of knowledge and objects to transform matter and energy into more valuable forms.
  2. n. Knowledge and objects applied to transform matter and energy into more valuable forms.

I'm tempted to add skills to the list of things that can be applied as technology: The application of knowledge, skills, and objects... But that broadens the definition too much. For example, eating would then fit the definition. When I eat an apple, I apply my considerable eating skills to transform the apple into a more valuable form.

I'm also tempted to add information to the set of things that technology transforms into more useful forms. Not tempted enough just yet, but tempted.