device
Use Device in a sentence
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noun
1.
a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
2.
a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.
3.
a crafty scheme; trick.
4.
a particular word pattern, figure of speech, combination of word sounds, etc., used in a literary work to evoke a desired effect or arouse a desired reaction in the reader: rhetorical devices.
5.
something elaborately or fancifully designed.
6.
a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.
7.
a motto.
8.
Archaic. devising; invention.
Origin:
1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus; see division
1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis division, discourse and devise heraldic device, will; both < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus; see division
Related forms
de·vice·ful, adjective
de·vice·ful·ly, adverb
de·vice·ful·ness, noun
Synonyms
1. gadget. 2. project, design. 3. wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver. 7. slogan, legend.
1. gadget. 2. project, design. 3. wile, ruse, artifice, stratagem, maneuver. 7. slogan, legend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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|
Link To device
00:10
Device
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
device (dɪˈvaɪs) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance |
| 2. | euphemistic a bomb |
| 3. | a plan or plot, esp a clever or evil one; scheme; trick |
| 4. | any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery |
| 5. | computer hardware that is designed for a specific function |
| 6. | a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc |
| 7. | a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc, used in literature to produce an effect on the reader |
| 8. | archaic the act or process of planning or devising |
| 9. | leave someone to his own devices to leave someone alone to do as he wishes |
| [C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
device
late 13c., from O.Fr. devis "division, separation, disposition, wish, desire," from L. divisus, pp. of dividere "to divide" (see divide). Sense of "method by which something is divided" arose in French and led to modern meaning.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
device de·vice (dĭ-vīs')
n.
A contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose, especially a machine used to perform one or more relatively simple tasks.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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FOLDOC
American Heritage
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Example sentences
Such a device would have to be an early-response tool because even slight mental problems can be dangerous in space.
In this case, the researcher were hacking into a device in a laboratory.
The preferred recording device is known as a laser vibrometer.
The university has collaborated with physicians, funeral directors, citizens and a medical device nonprofit.
Idioms & Phrases
Nearby Words
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