Feltaláló

Feltaláló is a Hungarian noun meaning an inventor, one who creates new devices, processes, or methods. A feltaláló may work in science, engineering, industry, or entrepreneurship, often moving from idea to prototype and potentially seeking patent protection.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb fel­talál, meaning “to devise” or “to come up with,” with the agent suffix -ó forming feltaláló, “the one who devises.”

Role and scope: In Hungarian usage, a feltaláló is someone who engages in inventive activity, solving practical problems and contributing to technological or methodological progress. The term covers both solitary researchers and collaborative teams, and it is commonly found in biographies, histories of science, and discussions of innovation.

Notable examples: Historically, Hungary has produced several renowned feltalálók. Ányos Jedlik is associated with early electric motor development and the creation of soda water. László Bíró designed the modern ballpoint pen. Gábor Dénes, known in English as Dennis Gabor, invented holography and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971. These figures illustrate the variety of fields in which feltalálók have contributed.

See also: Inventor, Patent, Innovation. Further reading on Hungarian science and technology archives provides more examples of feltalálók and their impact on industry and daily life.