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contraption - 4 dictionary results

con⋅trap⋅tion

[kuhn-trap-shuhn]
–noun Informal.
a mechanical contrivance; gadget; device.

Origin:
1815–25; perh. contr(ivance) + (ad)aption, var. of adaptation


con⋅trap⋅tious, adjective
con·trap·tion   (kən-trāp'shən)   
n.  A mechanical device; a gadget.

[Perhaps mock-Latinate blend of contrive and trap1.]

Contraption

Con*trap"tion\, n. A contrivance; a new-fangled device; -- used scornfully. [Colloq. or Dial.] -- Con*trap"tious, a.

We all remember some of the extraordinary contraptions which have been thus evolved and put upon the market. --F. M. Ware.
Language Translation for : contraption
Spanish: artefacto, artilugio,
German: der Apparat,
Japanese: 仕掛け

contraption 
1825, western England dialect, origin obscure, perhaps from con(trive) + trap, or deception.
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