device

[dih-vahys]

noun

1. a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one.

   Synonyms: gadget

2. a plan or scheme for effecting a purpose.

   Synonyms: design, project

3. a crafty scheme; trick.

   Synonyms: maneuver, stratagem, artifice, ruse, wile

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. a mobile device.

   Students may not bring devices into the secure testing center.

   Don't leave your devices in a hot car.

6. something elaborately or fancifully designed.

7. a representation or design used as a heraldic charge or as an emblem, badge, trademark, or the like.

8. a motto.

   Synonyms: legend, slogan

9. Archaic.,  devising; invention.

device

/ dɪˈvaɪs /

noun

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. to leave someone alone to do as he wishes

Other Word Forms

• deviceful adjective
• devicefully adverb
• devicefulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; blend of late Middle English devis “discourse, division” and devise “heraldic device, will,” both from Anglo-French, Old French, from Latin dīvīsa, feminine of dīvīsus “divided, separated”; divisible

Word History and Origins

Origin of device¹

C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see _devise

Idioms and Phrases

see leave to someone's own devices.

Example Sentences

Each metal part his shop makes—for medical devices, vehicles, scientific and industrial systems and more—can cost more than the quoted price for a piece from China.

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Just what society needs: a device to tune people out without their knowing.

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More companies are offering wellness plans and supplements directly to consumers based on data from blood tests, DNA analysis and data from wearable devices.

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“Business finally awoke to the potential of such devices,” writes historian Robert Sobel in “The Big Board: A History of the New York Stock Market.”

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Gary Silversmith, a real-estate investor who bought the property, pledged to preserve the device rather than sell it for scrap.

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Related Words

• accessory 
• apparatus 
• appliance 
• equipment 
• gadget 
• gear 
• machine 
• material 
• mechanism